yamuna-crosses-danger-mark-in-delhi-flood-advisory-issued

An advisory from the Central Water Commission (CWC) issued has warned that the water level of the Yamuna River in Delhi is projected to reach 206 meters by August 19. At this level, the river's official danger mark of 205.33 meters would be greatly exceeded. 

When the water level hits 206 meters, authorities start the process of evacuating residents from low-lying areas, so the rising water is concerning. All 18 gates of the Hathnikund Barrage in Haryana were opened on Sunday – the first time this season that such a step has been taken.

At the Old Railway Bridge, a vital observation point for tracking the river's flow and possible flood hazards, the river had already surpassed its warning level by 7 pm on Sunday, rising to 204.60 meters. 204.50 meters is the city's warning mark.

The CWC's advisory specified the expected timeline for the river's ascent, stating, "In view of the quantity of water released from Hathnikund Barrage today, 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 August 19."

#WATCH | The water level in the Yamuna River crosses the danger mark in Delhi.

Visuals from Delhi's Loha Pul pic.twitter.com/jmgZU6jVrg

— ANI (@ANI) August 18, 2025

In response to this forecast, the CWC has instructed all relevant agencies to implement precautionary measures to handle a potential flood-like situation. The primary reason for the increase in water level is the massive volume of water being released from upstream barrages. 

An official from the central flood room explained that the high flow is "mostly due to the high volumes of water released from the Wazirabad and Hathnikund barrages every hour."

 

#WATCH | Yamunanagar, Haryana | All 18 gates of the Hathinikund Barrage have been opened for the first time this season as the water level of the Yamuna River rises. (17.08) pic.twitter.com/bUo57Zx4fd

— ANI (@ANI) August 18, 2025

According to data from the flood control department, the Hathnikund barrage is currently releasing approximately 127,030 cusecs of water every hour, which is the highest flow recorded this season. 45,620 cusecs of water are also being released per hour by the Wazirabad barrage. The water discharged from these barrages usually travels downstream to Delhi in 48 to 50 hours.

Over the past few days, the water level has been gradually increasing. It increased to 204.65 meters at 1 pm on Friday and 205.11 meters on Saturday, edging closer to the danger threshold.

 

Also Read: Flood advisory issued as Yamuna inches closer to danger mark