Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday sought the intervention of the Centre as water level in the river Yamuna swelled to 207.55 metres, breaching its record of 207.49 metres set in 1978. In a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Kejriwal said news of flood in the capital city will not send a good message to the world.
"The news of flood in the capital of the country will not send a good message to the world. Together we will have to save the people of Delhi from this situation," the chief minister said, noting that the national capital is set to host the G-20 Summit meeting in a few weeks.
Kejriwal requested the Centre to take steps, if possible, to release water from Hathnikund barrage in Haryana in limited speed. He pointed out that as per the Central Water Commission estimates the level of Yamuna will reach 207.72 metres on Wednesday night which is a matter of "grave" concern.
"There have been no rains in Delhi for the last two days. However, the levels of Yamuna are rising due to abnormally high volumes of water being released by Haryana from the Hathnikund barrage.
"Urge Centre to intervene and ensure that levels in Yamuna don't rise further. Highest Flood Level 207.49m (in 1978). Current Level 207.55m," he said on Twitter.
Meanwhile, Delhi Police has imposed prohibitory orders in flood-prone areas of the city to prevent any untoward incidents.
A senior Delhi police official told ANI that the prohibitory orders have been issued fearing chaotic situation during the relocation of people affected due to the flood. The government has already evacuated thousands of people living in low lying areas to safer zones as water level in the river is rising. Around 2500 tents have been set up in 6 districts of the national capital to which people are being shifted.
"Going with present situation, two police stations located in flood-prone areas in North East Delhi have been ordered to shift to higher floors and other police stations in the vicinity have been intructed to be on alert as Yamuna River has breached the danger level and the water level continues to rise," the official said.
The Delhi Disaster Management Authority issued an advisory asking people to move to safer places and cautioning them against passing through low-lying areas.
As the flood situation persisted in the Yamuna river, people should stay away from power lines and reach out to the helpline 1077 in case of any need, it said.