The flood situation in Delhi has vastly improved, prompting authorities to open some roads for traffic. The water level of the Yamuna is at 205.48 metres as of Monday 7 am and it is expected to fall below the danger mark soon.
Many roads that were shut for traffic due to waterlogging have been opened for traffic from Monday. These include Bhairon Marg, the Ring Road stretch from ISBT Kashmere Gate to Timarpur and Civil Lines (Mall Road side).
An advisory issued by the Delhi Traffic Police said the Ring Road stretch from Sarai Kale Khan to IP Flyover to Rajghat has been opened for light vehicles. However, the Ring Road stretch from Shanti Van to Monkey Bridge and Yamuna Bazar-ISBT is still closed.
"Ring Road from Majnu Ka Tila to Hanuman Setu is closed. Carriageway from IP College to Chandgiram Akhara is also closed. Carriageway from Chandgiram Akhara to Shanti Van has been closed due to mud as its opening may affect the safety of commuters," the advisory said.
However, one carriageway from Hanuman Setu to Salim Garh bypass to IP Flyover has been opened. Commuters going to Nizamuddin may use this road and take left turn from IP Flyover to Vikas Marg via Akshardham setu loop. Besides, both carriageways of the Outer Ring Road from Mukarba to Wazirabad have been opened.
The old iron bridge at Pushta to Shamshan Ghat has also been opened while the ISBT Kashmere Gate remains closed, the traffic police said.
"The entry of heavy goods vehicles has been banned from various Delhi borders, including Singhu, Tikri, Rajokari, Badarpur, Chilla, Gazipur, Loni, Apsara and Bhopura. There are no restrictions on vehicles carrying essential commodities and relief materials," the advisory said.
This comes as Delhi PWD Minister Atishi directed officials on Sunday to expedite the process of water drainage and road cleaning from sections of Ring Road to ensure a smooth traffic flow.
Delhi minister Atishi Singh oversees floodwater clearance work on the Ring Road, in New Delhi | Twitter
Atishi visited the flood-affected spots at Chandgiram Akhada, Monastery Market, Nigambodh Ghat, Hanuman Mandir, Shantivan, Rajghat, ITO and Sachivalaya Road on Ring Road. The minister also ordered steps to remove the flood water from Ring Road as it is a crucial route for lakhs of vehicles daily.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted cloudy skies with light rain and thundershowers in the national capital on Monday. Heavy rains lashed some parts of Delhi on Sunday evening.
#WATCH | Delhi: Slight increase in Yamuna's water level again. At 7 am, water level was recorded at 205.48 m
— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2023
Water level was 205.45 m for the last 3 hours before 7 am
(Drone visuals from Mayur vihar Phase 1) pic.twitter.com/ohGrJBkmaP
The IMD said the maximum and minimum temperatures in the city on Monday will settle around 35 and 27 degrees Celsius, respectively
Himachal Pradesh
The weather agency has also issued an orange alert for rain in four districts of Himachal Pradesh. This comes as the state witnessed record monsoon rains which led to massive waterlogging, road caves-in, collapsed homes and gridlocked traffic.
