The old Yamuna iron bridge that connects east Delhi with the National Capital was closed on Saturday as the water level rose due to discharge of water from a barrage in Haryana, prompting the Delhi government to deploy disaster and flood management teams.
“We are on alert. If the level goes up further, we have more than 30 boats on standby,” said Kulanand Joshi, District Magistrate (East), Delhi. “If more rain occurs in the catchment areas, the residents would be shifted. We will also arrange tents and food for them,” he said.
The Delhi Police, meanwhile, closed traffic on the old iron bridge on Saturday.
“The bridge is very old. Keeping the safety of commuters in mind, we have temporarily closed vehicular movement on both carriageways of the bridge,” said Sandeep Goel, Special CP (Traffic).
Delhi Water Minister Kapil Mishra said due to the water level nearing the "danger mark", few people had to be shifted from north Delhi's Burari.
“Water level increasing in Yamuna. Nearing danger mark. No need to panic. Team on alert. Few people evacuated from Burari. Disaster management and flood department teams on night duty. Announcements done," he tweeted.
Mishra said water may recede after 3 AM and that the government has five district teams on standby.
The warning level for Yamuna is 204 m and the danger level 204.83 m. The highest water level of 207.49 m in Yamuna was recorded in 1978.
(With inputs from PTI)
