Delhi: Yamuna crosses warning mark, flood advisory issued

New Delhi: The Yamuna River in Delhi is likely to reach 206 metres by August 19, crossing the danger mark of 205.33 metres, an advisory issued by the Central Water Commission said on Sunday.

Around 7 pm, the river crossed the warning level, reaching the mark of 204.60 metres at the Old Railway Bridge, it said.

The warning mark for the city is 204.50 metres, while the danger mark is 205.33 metres. Evacuation of people starts at 206 metres.

The Old Railway Bridge serves as a key observation point for tracking the river's flow and potential flood risks.

"In view of the quantity of water released from Hathnikund Barrage today, 17th August, and heavy rainfall in the Upper Yamuna area, it is informed that the water level at Delhi Railway Bridge may cross 206.00 around 02 AM on 19th August, 2025," the advisory said.

The CWC said all concerned agencies have been asked to take precautionary measures to handle a flood-like situation.

"The reason for the increase in level is mostly due to the high volumes of water released from the Wazirabad and Hathnikund barrages every hour," an official from the central flood room said.

According to the flood control department, the Hathnikund barrage is releasing around 127,030 cusecs of water, the highest this season, and Wazirabad is releasing 45,620 cusecs of water every hour.

Water released from the barrages typically takes 48 to 50 hours to reach Delhi.

On Friday, the water level reached the mark of 204.65 metres at 1 pm, and on Saturday, it reached 205.11 metres.