Delhi is bracing for potential flooding as the Yamuna River's water level continues to rise, hovering near the danger mark due to persistent rainfall in the capital and surrounding regions. As of August 30, 2025, the water level reached 205.22 meters at the Old Railway Bridge, edging closer to the danger level of 205.33 meters. On August 31, 2025, the Yamuna River breached the danger mark. The Central Water Commission (CWC) data recorded the water level at the Old Railway Bridge in Delhi was 205.52 metres at 8 p.m. on Saturday. While the warning level is 204.5 metres, evacuation protocols are initiated when the river reaches 206 metres.
The rising water level is primarily attributed to the high volume of water being discharged from the Wazirabad and Hathnikund barrages every hour. Approximately 41,206 cusecs of water are being released from Wazirabad, with another 55,830 cusecs discharged from the Hathnikund Barrage. Typically, it takes 48 to 50 hours for water released from these barrages to reach Delhi, indicating that the effects of the current discharges will continue to be felt in the capital in the coming days.
In response to the escalating situation, authorities are closely monitoring the river's water level and have implemented precautionary measures to manage any potential flood-like scenarios. An official from the central flood room stated that all relevant agencies have been instructed to remain vigilant and take necessary actions. These actions include alerting people residing near the river embankments and arranging for their safe relocation to safer locations.
The Irrigation and Flood Control Department is closely monitoring the situation and is likely to carry out evacuations when the water level touches 206m. Announcements are being made via loudspeakers on foot and boats to alert people about the rising water level. The Delhi government's protocol dictates that approximately 12,500 people will be evacuated from the six affected districts once the Yamuna crosses the evacuation mark of 206 metres. Tents have already been set up in low-lying areas across the city in preparation for potential evacuations.
Delhi has been experiencing active monsoon conditions, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting generally cloudy skies and the possibility of light to moderate rain. The IMD has predicted that cloudy conditions will persist across the capital until September 5, with the possibility of moderate rainfall at isolated locations. August 2025 has been the wettest in the past 15 years. The city has recorded 399.8 mm of rainfall this month, surpassing last year's August total and inching closer to breaking older records.
The Delhi government has developed a comprehensive flood control action plan, which includes the establishment of a 24/7 flood control room. This control room, set up by the Irrigation and Flood Control Department, is staffed by officials from various government agencies and critical service providers. A key feature of the flood control room is its ability to monitor water discharge from the Hathnikund Barrage, with immediate relief and rescue operations triggered if the discharge exceeds one lakh cusecs.
The disaster management authorities have established flood relief camps in areas such as Mayur Vihar and Yamuna Bazaar, equipped with essential resources such as food, medical facilities, and temporary accommodation. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is prepared with 72 inflatable boats, capable of evacuating over 31,000 people within 12 hours. The Delhi Disaster Management Authority has also deployed 30 of its 40 boats for monitoring operations.
