close_game
close_game

The rise of Yamuna: Delhiites, stay afloat!

By, New Delhi
Jul 15, 2023 02:08 AM IST

Stuck for hours on roads or struggling in the Delhi Metro, ‘Yamuna paar’ residents face the wrath of floods as the river’s water level rose, following heavy rainfall and the release of water from Hathnikund Barrage in Haryana.

The rising water levels in Delhi’s principal water body breached the danger mark on Monday (July 10), and crossed 208.4m on Thursday morning (July 13). This marked the return of flooding in the city after 45 years. With a flood-like situation across Delhi-NCR, commuters complained about being stuck in four-hour long traffic jams and delayed Metro trains.

A road near ISBT after the swollen Yamuna river flooded low-lying areas across NCR. (Photo: PTI)
A road near ISBT after the swollen Yamuna river flooded low-lying areas across NCR. (Photo: PTI)

Stuck at Delhi’s gate! Many commuters faced flood waters near the Red Fort. (Photos: Adnan Abidi/ REUTERS)
Stuck at Delhi’s gate! Many commuters faced flood waters near the Red Fort. (Photos: Adnan Abidi/ REUTERS)

“I was stuck in traffic for more than three hours en route my office in Noida Sector 1, on Thursday morning. This is the same stretch that I travel every day from my home in Ghaziabad, which usually takes me 30 minutes. Even after all the trouble, I reached work only to be marked absent for the day since I turned up post lunch!” says Harkesh Jain, software engineer.

For some, taking a U-turn out of the traffic jam seem much more feasible as their ‘usual office route’ wasn’t as usual on Thursday. “I was aware of how risky it was with the Yamuna level in the city, but didn’t realise that it would be so bad. I took my daily route to reach my office in ITO, from Mayur Vihar Phase 1, only to return midway after struggling in traffic for three-and-a-half hours! I could barely cross Akshardham. After that, I couldn’t risk being stuck in the water and started feeling giddy,” says Sarthak Nanda, chartered accountant.

Through their Twitter handle, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation announced on the closure of Yamuna Bank Metro station. (Scnreengrab: Delhi Metro Rail Corporation/Twitter)
Through their Twitter handle, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation announced on the closure of Yamuna Bank Metro station. (Scnreengrab: Delhi Metro Rail Corporation/Twitter)

While the roads were flooded, the Metro didn’t come with much relief either. “Seeing the flood situation on TV, I decided to take the Metro to reach the exam centre that’s close to Tughlakabad Station; from Botanical Garden. I left at 11am for a 40-minute ride, but was stuck in the train till 12.30pm. My exam was to begin at noon. I had to plead to the invigilator to let me in so that I don’t have to reappear for the exam. Thankfully, I was allowed to sit for the paper,” says Akshay Jairaj, a final-year journalism student at a Delhi-based college.

“My metro to Kailash Colony, from Botanical Garden, was stuck for 30 minutes, and I started feeling suffocated. I took the rail route today, especially so that I could avoid the chakka jam of Delhi and still reach office but that too is in vain. I guess, that’s how nature reacts but boss ki daant toh khaani padegi.”

Yamuna water level

- Tuesday morning: 206.4m

- Wednesday morning: 207m

- Thursday morning: 208.46m

Source: Central Water Commission

Author tweets @maishascribbles

For more stories follow Facebook and Twitter

.

Catch every big hit,...
See more
Catch every big hit, every wicket with Crickit, a one stop destination for Live Scores, Match Stats, Infographics & much more. Explore now!

Stay updated with all top Cities including, Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai and more across India. Stay informed on the latest happenings in World News
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Saturday, October 05, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On