The rising water level of the Yamuna River in Delhi has forced the suspension of cremations at Nigambodh Ghat, the city's largest and oldest cremation ground. The inundation of the premises by floodwaters has disrupted services, with the facility unable to conduct new cremations beyond those that began earlier in the day.

The disruption at Nigambodh Ghat, which typically handles 55 to 60 cremations daily, is a direct consequence of the Yamuna's water level surging past the danger mark of 205.33 meters. As of Wednesday, the water level had reached 206.75 meters and was expected to rise further, reaching around 206.90 meters. The rising water levels are attributed to heavy rainfall in Delhi and significant water releases from the Wazirabad and Hathnikund barrages. The river received a discharge of 1.62 lakh cusecs from Hathnikund Barrage and 1.38 lakh cusecs from Wazirabad Barrage at 8 am.

Authorities have taken several precautionary measures, including evacuating residents from low-lying areas such as Yamuna Bazar and Usmanpur, and closing the Old Railway Bridge to traffic. Relief camps have been set up in Mayur Vihar and Sonia Vihar to accommodate those displaced by the rising waters.

While the ghat remains functional for ongoing rituals, officials are closely monitoring the situation and have indicated that operations may be suspended entirely if the water level continues to rise and reaches the pyres. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) may consider closure if the situation worsens.

The current situation evokes memories of the July 2023 floods, when the Yamuna reached a record level of 208.66 meters. In the last 63 years, the river has breached the 205m mark in 43 years, crossed the 206m mark 14 times, but only exceeded 207m in four years, including the 2023 peak.

Delhi's Irrigation and Flood Control Minister, Parvesh Verma, has assured the public that the situation is under control and that there is no need to panic. However, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for heavy rains across Delhi-NCR, indicating the potential for further flooding and disruption.

The closure of Nigambodh Ghat highlights the broader impact of the Yamuna's rising water level, with evacuations, traffic diversions, and concerns about waterlogging in various parts of the city.