Irrigation and Flood Control Minister Shri Saurabh Bhardwaj conducted a visit to the Wazirabad Water Treatment Plant today to inspect all its facilities. With the rising water levels in the Yamuna, Shri Saurabh Bhardwaj undertook this visit to assess the situation. Previously, the Water Treatment Plant had to be closed as water from the Yamuna had entered its premises. To prevent the recurrence of such issues, all necessary arrangements were thoroughly reviewed during the visit. Furthermore, the officials present at the Water Treatment Plant were given clear directives to remain vigilant and take necessary actions to tackle the situation effectively.
During the visit, Shri Saurabh Bhardwaj spoke to journalists and informed them that the water level of the Yamuna had started rising again, and it was currently above 206 metres, which is beyond the danger mark. He added that the water being released from the Hathnikund Barrage was more than 2 lakh cubic feet per second. According to the Water Commission’s estimates, the water level was likely to reach 206.7 metres by this evening. He cautioned that the level might increase further, considering the available data till this evening.
Taking note of the rising water levels in the Yamuna, the Delhi Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Arvind Kejriwal, has expedited its preparedness. During the last occurrence, the water level had risen above 208 metres, leading to the closure of the Wazirabad Water Treatment Plant, Okhla Treatment Plant, and Chandrawal Treatment Plant. This resulted in about a 25% reduction in water production in Delhi. Learning from the difficulties faced previously, the Delhi Government has made substantial preparations this time. The walls surrounding all water treatment plants have been raised to a level that, even if the Yamuna’s water level reaches 209 metres (which is unlikely), the water will not enter the treatment plant premises, and there will be no need to shut down the plants.
Shri Bhardwaj provided assurance and stated that, presently, all water treatment plants are operating at their full capacity. To prevent debris and pollutants from clogging the motors due to the increasing water level in the Yamuna, the concerned authorities are actively engaged in continuous cleaning and implementing preventive measures. So far, there have been no reported issues, and it is expected that the water treatment plants will continue to function without any hindrance.
The Kejriwal Government has been closely monitoring all locations where water from the Yamuna used to overflow onto Delhi’s roads and has taken appropriate measures, such as constructing walls, to ensure that this time the water does not inundate the streets. For this purpose, 60 separate teams have been deployed in various areas of Delhi to keep a vigilant watch on any such potential points where water could overflow onto roads as it did during the last incident.
All residents living in low-lying areas near the Yamuna have been evacuated and shifted to relief camps in advance. Additionally, continuous announcements are being made by the government in these areas, urging people not to enter the low-lying regions to ensure their safety. Shri Bhardwaj stated that all necessary arrangements for food and drinking water had been provided by the government in these relief camps. Moreover, he added, each relief camp has two doctors and supporting staff who are diligently taking care of the residents staying there. Shri Bhardwaj said, “The government is providing all possible facilities to the people residing in these relief camps. Until the water completely recedes from these areas, the residents will be kept in the relief camps with all necessary amenities. Once the threat of flooding subsides and there is no danger, they will be allowed to return to their homes.”
