What is causing flood in Delhi?

Context :The rising water level of the Yamuna River in Delhi. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal urges the Centre to prevent further rise in Yamuna water level. Yamuna water level reaches a 60-year high, flowing at 208.13 meters, the highest recorded since 1963. It is advised to urgently evacuate people living in areas close to the river.

Yamuna River

Length: The Yamuna River is one of the longest rivers in India, stretching approximately 1,376 kilometers (855 miles) from its source in the Yamunotri Glacier in the lower Himalayas to its confluence with the Ganges River in Allahabad.

Sacred significance: The Yamuna River holds immense religious and cultural significance in India. Many temples and religious sites situated along its banks attract pilgrims and devotees, considering it a holy river closely associated with Hindu mythology.

Water supply: The Yamuna River serves as a crucial water source for millions of people. It provides drinking water, irrigation, and supports various industries along its course. However, due to pollution and overuse, the quality and quantity of the river’s water have deteriorated significantly.

Environmental challenges: The Yamuna River faces severe environmental challenges, including pollution from industrial waste, sewage, and agricultural runoff. Efforts are being made to control pollution and improve the river’s ecological health, but progress has been slow.

Ecological significance: Yamuna River supports diverse ecosystems, vital for flora and fauna, despite challenges. Yamuna River supports migratory birds and aquatic creatures, making it ecologically important in the region.

What are the Causes of Urban Flooding?

Heavy rainfall: Excessive precipitation within a short period overwhelms the drainage capacity of urban areas, leading to urban flooding.

Inadequate drainage infrastructure: Poorly maintained drainage systems contribute to urban flooding by preventing proper water drainage.

Urbanization and land development: Paving with impermeable surfaces reduces rainwater absorption, increasing surface runoff and urban flooding risks.

Flooding in Delhi

Floods affect areas near Yamuna River: Monastery Market, Yamuna Bazar, Geeta Ghat, Majnu Ka Tilla to Wazirabad stretch.
The Delhi government has evacuated over 16,500 people from flood-affected areas.
The Delhi government is in the process of evacuating around 41,000 people living close to the river.
Some residents set up makeshift tents on busy roads, while others are provided accommodation by the Delhi government.
Flooding causes irreparable losses, and farmers lose crops.
Residents face challenges in accessing relief and reaching safer locations.

Addressing the Emergency

Controlled Water Release: Controlled water release from the Hathnikund Barrage can mitigate the flooding risks.

Collaboration and Coordination: Essential cooperation between Delhi, Haryana, and central government agencies for effective management of the situation.

Monitoring and Emergency Preparedness: Continuous monitoring, timely communication, and preparedness are crucial for water levels, evacuations, and relief efforts in this emergency.

Conclusion

Immediate attention and coordinated efforts are required to address unprecedented water levels in the Yamuna River and protect affected communities.

FAQs Related with flood in Delhi

Ques 1: What are the main causes of flooding in Delhi?

Answer: Various factors contribute to flooding in Delhi, including heavy rainfall, overflowing rivers (like Yamuna), inadequate drainage infrastructure, encroachments on water bodies, and improper urban planning.

Ques 2: How does flooding affect the city of Delhi?

Answer: Flooding in Delhi leads to numerous detrimental effects. Flooding disrupts life, damages infrastructure, causes congestion, compromises health, and poses safety risks.It also results in the displacement of people and loss of livelihoods.

Ques 3: What measures are taken to mitigate and manage floods in Delhi?

Answer: The government and concerned authorities undertake several measures to mitigate and manage floods in Delhi. Measures include improving drainage, building flood barriers, implementing forecasting, relocating communities, and raising public awareness for flood safety.