Delhi is currently battling severe flooding and a water crisis as monsoon rains continue to wreak havoc in the city. Videos circulating on social media depict the dire situation, with streets, temples, and homes submerged in water, and even cars being completely submerged on Bela Road in the Civil Lines area. The swelling of the Yamuna River, caused by heavy rainfall and the release of water from the Hathnikund Barrage in Haryana, has further aggravated the flooding.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a forecast for additional showers in the national capital over the next 4-5 days, raising concerns about further water overflow and prolonged drainage problems. Experts warn that the situation could worsen with more waterlogging, leading to increased hardships for residents.
Following a breach in a drain regulator, the Yamuna River, which flows through Delhi, reached a level of 207.53 meters this morning, marking a significant rise and surpassing a 45-year record. Several areas in Delhi remain inundated despite this decrease in water level.
Tragically, three boys lost their lives in northwest Delhi's Mukundpur Chowk after drowning in a water-filled ditch where they had been attempting to bathe. The victims, identified as Piyush (13), Nikhil (10), and Ashish (13), resided in H Block at Jahangirpuri.
Efforts are underway to mitigate the impact of the flooding and provide relief to affected residents. The Army and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed to assist in these efforts. Parts of the capital, including sections of the arterial Ring Road, the busy ITO intersection, Rajghat, and even the periphery of the Supreme Court, have been submerged by floodwaters following the drain regulator malfunction.
In addition to the flooding, the rising water levels of the Yamuna River have resulted in the submersion of pumphouses and water treatment equipment. As a consequence, three major water treatment plants in Wazirabad, Chandrawal, and Okhla have been forced to shut down, impacting a quarter of the capital's water supply. The Sonia Vihar plant has also experienced a 25% reduction in production. As a result, residents are expected to face water shortages in the coming days, necessitating water rationing until the water levels recede and normal operations can be restored.
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