Yamuna still above danger mark, but situation improves (Hindu 14 September 2010)

NEW DELHI: Yamuna continued to flow above the danger mark today although the flood-like situation in several low-lying areas along the river improved significantly. "The water level which had come down to 205.45 metres last night has again risen to 205.53 metres this evening which is 70 cm above the danger mark of 204.83 metres," said an official of the flood control department. He said the water level may go up further as 2.5 lakh cusec water released by Haryana into the Yamuna is expected to reach Delhi by tomorrow. The neighbouring state has released nearly one lakh cusec water today. The neighbouring state has already released over 11 lakh cusec water into Yamuna in the last six days resulting in the rise in its level. The water level had touched 206.78 metres on Saturday evening. Though the water level has come down, nearly 4000 people from low-lying areas near the river are still staying in several relief camps set up by Delhi Government. The official said authorities have requested people living in the relief camps to go back to their homes as and when the situation returns to normal in their areas. The rising river had flooded several localities of east Delhi including Garhi Mandu, Usmanpur Pusta, Jagatpur Village and Shastri Nagar. Flood water had also entered areas like Yamuna Vihar, Madanpur, Sonia Vihar, Nigambodh, Jaitpur, Tibet Market and Yamuna Bazar. "The situation has improved significantly in these areas," said the official.