Yamuna flowing above danger mark in Delhi

NEW DELHI - The Yamuna river continued to flow above the danger mark in the capital Saturday, threatening to flood low-lying areas along its banks, an official said.

The water level of the Yamuna stood at 205 metres Saturday, after the release of water from the Hathnikund barrage upstream in Haryana while rains continued to lash the city since morning.

The river crossed the danger level of 204.8 metres late Friday night.

“The water level in the Yamuna is rising since Friday, prompting the flood control room to sound an alert,” said an official at the flood control department.

People in low-lying areas of Usmanpur, Shastri Park, Bhajanpura, Yamuna Bazar and Gandhi Nagar have been warned about the rising water level.

The flood and irrigation department said Haryana released 2.08 lakh cusecs of water on Thursday, aggravating the situation. The river was in spate after days of incessant rains caused the water level to rise.

“There is no need to panic as the situation is under control. Officials of the flood control department are monitoring the situation. Flood control rooms have been set up in 25 locations along the danger zone,” the official added.