The city of Delhi is currently embroiled in a severe waterlogging crisis, spurred by the surging water levels of the Yamuna River. Marking a significant peak, the water level has reached an alarming 208.13 meters, a height not seen since records began in 1963. The primary cause of this dramatic rise is heavy rainfall in upstream states, and its impact is far-reaching, with flooding and disruptions in transportation and water supply being witnessed in various parts of the city.
Understanding the Cause
The primary trigger fuelling the rising levels of the Yamuna River is the recent bout of heavy rainfall experienced in various upstream states, including Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, and Punjab. The Hathnikund barrage located in Haryana, which plays the crucial role of regulating the flow of the Yamuna into Delhi, has had to release an exceptional amount of water owing to the excess rainfall.
Implications of the Rising Water Levels
The escalating water level of the Yamuna River has opened the floodgates to a plethora of challenges. Flooding in low-lying areas of Delhi has affected a substantial populace, causing considerable inconvenience. In addition, the city’s transportation systems and water supply infrastructure have been thrown into chaos. The situation has been further exacerbated as the Delhi government was forced to slash water supply by 25% due to the shutdown of three major water treatment plants in the face of the relentlessly rising Yamuna.
Important Facts About Yamuna River
The Yamuna River, a significant tributary of the Ganges, weaves through Northern India. It is an integral component of the expansive Yamuna-Ganga Plain, which ranks among the world’s most extensive alluvial plains. Its origins can be traced to the Yamunotri Glacier, situated at an elevation of 6,387 meters on the southwestern sides of Banderpooch crests, nestling in the lower Himalayan ranges. The river charts a course through Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Delhi before culminating its journey at the Sangam in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, where it amalgamates with the Ganges. The Lakhwar-Vyasi Dam in Uttarakhand and the Tajewala Barrage Dam in Haryana are two of its major dams, while its important tributaries include the Chambal, Sindh, Betwa, and Ken rivers.
Government Efforts to Address Crisis
The government is proactive in combating the challenges posed by the Yamuna River. One of the key initiatives is the Yamuna Action Plan. Further, the Delhi Government has formulated a comprehensive six-point action plan intended to clean the Yamuna by February 2025, a clear indication of their commitment towards ensuring the river’s health and managing its water levels effectively.