This Article is From Aug 19, 2019

Arvind Kejriwal Urges People To Move To Safer Places As Yamuna Swells

Arvind Kejriwal asserted his government is ready to deal with the situation that may arise. Haryana has released a record 8.28 lakh cusecs water in the Yamuna on Sunday, he said.

The chief minister has urged people to move out of areas likely to be flooded.

New Delhi:

Water level in the Yamuna is likely to cross the danger mark this evening, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said, urging people in low-lying areas to move to temporary shelters set up by the administration.

Traffic movement on Old Yamuna Bridge (popularly known as Lohe Ka Pul) was closed by the administration in view of rising river.

Addressing a press conference, Arvind Kejriwal said the next two days are "critical" but asserted his government is ready to deal with the situation that may arise.

The chief minister held a meeting with ministers and top officers to assess the situation and reviewed arrangements.

Haryana released a record 8.28 lakh cusecs water in the Yamuna on Sunday, he said.

"This water is likely to reach Delhi by Monday evening and the danger mark in the Yamuna at 205.33 metres is likely to be breached," he said.

In 2013, Arvind Kejriwal said, Haryana released 8.06 lakh cusecs water which led to a rise in the Yamuna to 207.32 metres.

So far, 2,120 temporary shelters have been set up, where food, water and other amenities are being provided by government agencies.

More than 23,800 people will be required to be moved out from low-lying areas, according to official estimates.

The river was flowing at 205.2 metres in Delhi at 3pm. Haryana released 1.87 lakh cusecs water at 2pm on Monday and 1.79 lakh cusecs was discharged from Hathnikund barrage at 3pm.

Arvind Kejriwal said there was no need for people to panic but those in low-lying areas needed to shift to temporary shelters. He also urged parents to not allow their children near the river or to go for swimming or bathing in the swelling waters.

The Yamuna flows through six districts of Delhi whose low-lying areas are prone to flooding. The administration has deployed 30 boats to prevent accidental drowning.

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