The Yamuna continued to flow over the danger level, but remained largely constant at 206.12 metres on Friday. According to Irrigation and Flood Control Department officials, it is expected to rise by Saturday morning again once the discharge from Tajewala barrage in Haryana reaches Delhi.
“The forecast indicates that by Saturday afternoon the level is expected to touch 206.20 m and by night it will rise to 206.95 m. The water level in the river is all set to decrease over the next week,” said an Irrigation and Flood Control Department official.
No rain in the city over the past two days has come as a relief for the administration. “Water that had accumulated in various parts of the city owing to the backflow has begun to recede too. We have already opened the sluice gates at the Metcalfe Road, Kudesia Ghat and at Nullah No. 16. The sewage treatment plant at Coronation Pillar has resumed functioning. With no more rain over the past 48 hours, things are begging to improve,” the official added.
Complaints of water-logging poured in from Mukherjee Nagar, Yamuna Bazar, the Inter-State Bus Terminal at Kashmiri Gate and several other low lying areas.
In several areas including Mukherjee Nagar people had to wade through knee-deep water. Residents in several areas affected by water logging now fear the spread of water-borne diseases.
“People are concerned about the threat to their health and have been calling up for pumping out the water. Additional pumps have been procured to ensure that the places are rid of water and the drain cleaned up. Gradually the gates of the remaining 14 drains will also be opened,” said the official.
