Delhi: Yamuna Crosses Warning Mark as All Hathnikund Barrage Gates Opened; IMD Issues Rain Alert

The Yamuna River in Delhi has once again crossed the warning mark, raising fresh concerns of possible flooding in low-lying areas. On Sunday evening, the river touched 204.60 meters at the Old Railway Bridge, slightly above the warning level of 204.50 meters. The danger mark is 205.33 meters, and officials warn that evacuation of floodplain residents begins once levels cross 206 meters.

The administration has directed all concerned agencies, including Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), irrigation department, and district officials, to remain on alert and ensure timely evacuation if water levels continue to rise.

Hathnikund Barrage Gates Fully Opened for the First Time This Season

The sharp rise in Yamuna’s water level has been directly linked to heavy discharge from Hathnikund Barrage in Haryana’s Yamunanagar district. For the first time during this monsoon, all 18 gates of the barrage have been opened to release excess water following incessant rainfall in upper catchment areas of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.

Experts say that when rainfall intensifies in the Himalayas, barrages like Hathnikund and Wazirabad act as the first points of control. However, continuous inflow forces authorities to release water downstream, leading to a surge in Delhi’s Yamuna levels.

Officials monitoring the barrage said water discharge levels had been increasing steadily over the past 48 hours. With more rainfall expected in the hills, the situation may remain critical through the week.

Delhi Weather Forecast: IMD Issues Rain Alert

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a rainfall alert for Monday, warning of scattered to moderate showers across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).

Over the last 24 hours, areas such as Najafgarh, Safdarjung, Palam, and Dwarka received light to moderate rainfall. According to the IMD, the change in weather is being driven by a western disturbance coupled with a low-pressure system over northern India.

• Daytime forecast: Light drizzles through the day
• Evening & night: Moderate rainfall expected
• Temperature: Maximum around 35°C, minimum near 26°C
• Extended forecast (August 23): Varying rainfall patterns, with possibilities ranging from light showers to occasional heavy spells in some areas

The rainfall is expected to bring temporary relief from rising temperatures but may worsen waterlogging and traffic snarls across the city.

Impact on Delhi Residents: Flood Preparedness Underway

Authorities have begun issuing precautionary advisories to residents in flood-prone areas such as Yamuna Bazar, Old Usmanpur, Mayur Vihar, and parts of East Delhi.

• Relief camps are being prepared in nearby schools and community centers.
• Delhi Police and Civil Defence teams are on standby for evacuation if required.
• Power and water supply departments have been instructed to be ready with backup measures.

In 2023, the Yamuna crossed 207 meters, causing widespread flooding in several low-lying areas, disrupting metro services, and damaging infrastructure. Officials say lessons from previous years are being applied to prevent a repeat.

Rain Improves Delhi’s Air Quality

While the rising Yamuna poses a challenge, the rainfall has brought a welcome improvement in Delhi’s air quality.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the city’s 24-hour average AQI on Sunday was 91 (‘Satisfactory’) — a significant drop from 118 (‘Moderate’) recorded the day before.

• So far in 2025, Delhi has logged 53 days of ‘satisfactory’ air quality (till August 17) — the highest number for this period since 2020.
• Experts attribute this improvement to frequent rainfall and favorable wind conditions, which help wash away pollutants and disperse particulate matter.

Environmentalists believe that sustained rainfall patterns not only help improve air quality but also bring much-needed relief to residents battling prolonged exposure to toxic air in the winter months.

xperts Warn of Flood-Like Situation if Rains Persist

Hydrologists have cautioned that if rainfall continues in the Himalayan states over the next few days, the Yamuna may cross the danger level of 205.33 meters. Once the river rises beyond 206 meters, large-scale evacuations from floodplains become unavoidable. Past experiences show that such flooding disrupts road traffic, metro operations near low-lying stretches, and even hampers supply of essential commodities. Officials are therefore urging citizens living in vulnerable areas to stay alert and follow evacuation advisories without delay.

Government Appeals for Public Cooperation

Delhi government officials have appealed to residents to avoid venturing close to the Yamuna and to refrain from dumping waste near drains and riverbanks, as this can worsen waterlogging. Special control rooms have been set up to monitor the water level round the clock, and updates are being shared with district authorities in real time. The administration has also requested NGOs and volunteer groups to extend support in relief and rescue operations, should the situation escalate.