The Yamuna river, which originates from the Yamunotri glaciers in Uttarakhand, has been causing havoc in Delhi and surrounding areas due to the heavy rainfall in recent weeks. The floods have caused extensive damage to the infrastructure, leading to the closure of schools, evacuation of residents, and disruption of water supply. In this report, we will take a closer look at the causes and effects of the Yamuna floods.
The Causes of Yamuna Floods
Heavy rainfall in the catchment areas of the Yamuna river is the primary cause of the floods. The monsoon season in India usually lasts from June to September, and during this time, the rivers in the region receive the majority of their water. The Yamuna river basin, which covers an area of 366,223 square kilometers, is home to over 57 million people and is highly susceptible to flooding.
In addition to natural causes, the floods in the Yamuna river have been exacerbated by man-made factors such as the construction of dams and barrages, encroachment of river banks, and inadequate drainage systems. The Hathnikund barrage in Haryana, which is responsible for releasing water into the Yamuna river, has been a major contributor to the floods.
The Effects of Yamuna Floods
The floods in the Yamuna river have caused extensive damage to infrastructure and have disrupted the lives of millions of people in the region. The following are some of the major effects of the floods:
Disruption of Water Supply
The floods have led to the closure of water treatment plants, which has severely impacted the supply of clean water to the residents of Delhi. The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has issued an advisory on water emergency in the national capital due to the effects of the rise in the Yamuna river's water level.
Closure of Educational Institutes
In view of the flood caused by rising water levels in the Yamuna river, educational institutes in Delhi have been shut down. Lieutenant governor (LG) VK Saxena chaired a Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) meeting to take stock of the situation as authorities planned to shift evacuees to school buildings.
Evacuation of Residents
The floods have led to the evacuation of thousands of residents from low-lying areas. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed 16 teams in six districts of Delhi to conduct the evacuation along with state administration, Delhi Police, and other agencies.
Damage to Infrastructure
The floods have caused extensive damage to infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and buildings. The Red Fort and a crematorium were also affected. Traffic movement has been halted on affected stretches, causing congestion on diversions.
Measures to Mitigate the Floods
The Delhi government has taken several measures to mitigate the effects of the floods. The following are some of the steps taken:
Installation of Pumps
The Delhi government has installed high-capacity pumps to drain out water from the flooded areas. The pumps have been installed in several areas, including Hauz Khas, Lajpat Nagar, and Saket.
Evacuation and Relief Measures
The Delhi government has set up several relief camps for the evacuated residents. The government has also provided food and water to the affected people.
Cleaning of Drains
The Delhi government has launched a massive cleaning drive to clear the drains and prevent waterlogging. The government has deployed several teams of workers to clean the drains.
Coordination with Other States
The Delhi government has been in constant contact with the governments of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to coordinate efforts to mitigate the effects of the floods.
Conclusion
The floods in the Yamuna river have caused extensive damage to the infrastructure and have disrupted the lives of millions of people in the region. While natural causes such as heavy rainfall are primarily responsible for the floods, man-made factors such as the construction of dams and barrages, encroachment of river banks, and inadequate drainage systems have exacerbated the situation. The Delhi government has taken several measures to mitigate the effects of the floods, including the installation of pumps, evacuation and relief measures, cleaning of drains, and coordination with other states.
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