Delhi Ministers Saurabh Bhardwaj and Atishi Prepare for Possible Floods After Heavy Rainfall
New Delhi, India – After record-breaking rainfall caused severe water-logging and loss of lives in Delhi, Ministers Saurabh Bhardwaj and Atishi held an Apex Committee meeting at the Delhi Secretariat to discuss flood control measures.
Emergency Preparedness
Delhi Water Minister Atishi addressed the media, stating that the government reviewed the preparedness of various departments, including the flood department, Public Works Department (PWD), Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Cantonment Board, NDMC, Delhi Traffic Police, and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Each unit provided their input on flood relief and control.
Atishi emphasized that the Delhi government is ready to handle any rise in the Yamuna water level. She mentioned that they are monitoring weather predictions from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the water level at Haryana’s Hathinikund Barrage, which affects the Yamuna’s water level in Delhi.
Monitoring and Control
Currently, the discharge at Hathinikund Barrage is around 350 cusecs, far below the flood-trigger level of 1,00,000 cusecs. The Delhi government has set up a 24/7 control room under the leadership of the DM East Delhi to monitor the situation. Officials from various departments are stationed in the control room and are in constant contact with the Haryana Irrigation Department.
Atishi also mentioned that flood-related equipment has been deployed at various locations, and the NDRF is prepared for relief and rescue operations if needed.
Waterlogging Inspections
Earlier, Atishi inspected the Centralized Monsoon Control Room of the PWD to assess the waterlogging situation in the city. She noted that the control room monitors waterlogged areas through CCTV and that ground staff are actively addressing complaints. Residents can report waterlogging issues via a toll-free number or WhatsApp chatbot.
Atishi assured that immediate steps are being taken to resolve waterlogging issues and that the entire process is being closely monitored.
