An important press conference was held in New Delhi to discuss the flood situation. Ashwani Kumar, Revenue Secretary and Divisional Commissioner, led the meeting. He mentioned that the flood situation in Delhi is improving as the water level in the Yamuna River is receding and there is no heavy rain expected.
During the conference, Ashwani Kumar shared that the water level in the Yamuna River has dropped by about five centimeters and it could improve further by Sunday. Currently, there are 44 camps in Delhi, some of which are in schools and others will be relocated to school buildings. So far, 25,478 individuals have been evacuated and 22,803 have been relocated to camps.
Kumar stated that the water level in the Yamuna River was 207.43 meters and it is expected to drop to 206.72 meters by tonight. Once it falls below 205 meters, the situation will return to normal. The water level is receding due to no sign of precipitation in the upper regions.
The Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, has assured that residents will have some relief in the coming hours. However, the flood risk is not completely over. The flow rate from the Hathnikund Barrage is declining and more drop is expected. The India Meteorological Department forecasts moderate rain in Delhi in the next few days.
Kumar mentioned that Delhi is dealing with a flood-like situation due to heavy rainfall in northern states and increased flow of the Yamuna River. This has caused disruptions and traffic delays.
Regarding accusations of not obeying orders from Delhi government ministers, Kumar expressed dismay and stated that baseless allegations should not be made against officers who are working tirelessly to control the flood situation. He emphasized the need for support instead of politics.
The water level in the Yamuna River has been steadily rising for three days but began to fall on Friday. It has dropped to 207.43 meters on Saturday. However, it is still two meters above the danger mark.
In response to claims from the Water Minister, Saurabh Bhardwaj, that senior Delhi officials have not responded to requests for assistance, Kumar stated that the National Disaster Response Force has suggested using the resources of the Irrigation and Flood Control Department to fix the damaged water regulator.
Kumar also addressed concerns raised by Delhi’s Revenue Minister, Atishi, regarding the lack of basic facilities at relief camps. He stated that he has been responding to Atishi’s calls and called her behavior unfortunate and politically driven. He also mentioned that the Okhla water treatment plant is currently operating at 50 percent capacity and he hopes the plants in Wazirabad and Chandrawal will be operational by Sunday.
