Delhi’s ITO crossing area, known for its bustling traffic and strategic location in the national capital, has been severely flooded after a drain regulator malfunctioned, leading to rising water levels in the Yamuna river. The Chief Minister of Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal, took to Twitter to confirm the cause of the flooding and directed officials to seek the assistance of the Army and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) for urgent repair work.
The flooding in the ITO crossing area and its surroundings is primarily attributed to a breach caused by a breakdown in the drain regulator. Despite the efforts of engineers working throughout the night, the breach resulted in water from the Yamuna river entering the city. Chief Minister Kejriwal expressed his concern about the situation and immediately instructed the Chief Secretary to seek help from the Army and NDRF to fix the issue promptly.
The gravity of the situation prompted Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to visit the flooded spot, emphasizing that the presence of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team the previous night could have prevented the crisis. Mr. Kejriwal reiterated his government’s decision to involve the Army in resolving the situation effectively.
In response to the ongoing crisis, the Lieutenant Governor (LG) highlighted the importance of focusing on finding a solution rather than engaging in finger-pointing. The collaborative efforts of various authorities were necessary to alleviate the impact of the flooding and restore normalcy.
The breach occurred in the drain number 12, located between the Indraprastha bus depot and the WHO building on Delhi’s Ring Road. The regulator breakdown, which took place around 7 pm the previous day, resulted in a backflow of water from central Delhi to the Yamuna river. This backflow caused flooding in the ITO crossing area and its surrounding regions.
Delhi Health Minister and Delhi Jal Board Chairman, Saurabh Bharadwaj, reportedly made attempts throughout the night to rectify the situation but faced challenges in resolving the drain regulator breakdown effectively.
Another concern in the ITO area is the presence of loose electric wires. The area has been cordoned off to prevent vehicles from entering, and pedestrians have been forced to walk on the road divider due to the inundated pavement. Unfortunately, some pedestrians have experienced electric shocks from the metal fence. To mitigate the risk, authorities have temporarily disconnected the power supply to electric poles.
The water level of the Yamuna river at the Old Railway Bridge (ORB) has surpassed the danger mark, reaching 208.40 meters as of 9 am. The continuous rainfall throughout the week, combined with the release of water from the Hathnikund barrage in Yamuna Nagar district of Haryana, has resulted in the Yamuna river overflowing into parts of Delhi. Despite previous assurances from the Delhi government regarding flood preparedness, the situation has escalated beyond expectations.
According to the Central Water Commission, the water levels are expected to recede and may reach 208.30 meters by 1 pm.
In response to the flooding, the Delhi government has taken precautionary measures by closing down schools, colleges, crematoriums, and water treatment plants. These actions aim to ensure the safety of the residents and mitigate further damage caused by the overflowing Yamuna river.
The flooding in Delhi’s ITO crossing area due to a drain regulator breakdown has caused significant disruption and inconvenience to the city’s residents. Prompt action has been taken by the government, involving the Army and NDRF, to rectify the situation urgently. Efforts are underway to fix the drain regulator and restore normalcy in the affected areas. It is crucial for the authorities to work collaboratively and efficiently to address the immediate concerns and prevent similar incidents in the future.