Delhi imposes section 144 as Yamuna water level rises, flood situation intensifies

New Delhi: The Delhi Police has enforced prohibitory measures under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) in flood-prone areas of the city, as the Yamuna River's water level surpassed its previous record and reached 207.55 metres.

Section 144 of the CrPC prohibits the assembly of four or more persons and restricts public movement in groups.

To address the escalating flood situation caused by the swelling Yamuna River, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority has issued an advisory urging residents to relocate to safer areas and avoid passing through low-lying regions.

Delhi Cabinet Minister Atishi is personally inspecting relief camps to assess the flood situation and evaluate the preventive measures implemented by the government. She emphasised the government's commitment to reinforcing river embankments and ensuring the evacuation of individuals residing in floodplains.

Officials have reported that Garhi Mandu village near the Signature Bridge in Wazirabad has been submerged, but the majority of the residents have been safely evacuated, with ongoing efforts to rescue the remaining individuals using boats. The Central Water Commission's flood-monitoring portal has confirmed that the Yamuna River's water level at the Old Railway Bridge surpassed the 207-metre mark at 4 am on Wednesday, a record not reached since 2013. As of 1 pm, the water level had risen to 207.55 metres.

Authorities anticipate further increases in the water level, said an official from the irrigation and flood control department.

To ensure public safety during this critical period, individuals are urged to steer clear of power lines and contact the helpline 1077 for any assistance they need.