New Delhi: The Old Railway Bridge over Yamuna river in the national capital will remain closed for traffic movement starting Tuesday evening (September
2) in view of rising river water levels, an official order said. The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) issued a directive and ordered that traffic movement will be banned on the Old Railway Bridge starting Tuesday evening.
The water level in Yamuna River is expected to go above the evacuation mark of 206 metres on Tuesday. The water level in Yamuna has surged due to heavy discharge from the Hathnikund Barrage. The discharge pushed the water level to 204.94 metres at the Old Railway Bridge on Monday evening, officials said.
Delhi: Yamuna warning mark
The warning mark for Yamuna river in Delhi is at 204.50 metres. Meanwhile, the danger mark is 205.33 metres and evacuation begins once the water level touches 206 metres.
The DDMA order read, “In view of possible flooding in Yamuna River due to increase in its level beyond the danger mark, you are hereby directed to close down the traffic and public movement on the bridge with effect from September 2 at 5 PM.”
The official also said that the closure order is only precautionary to ensure public safety. The Old Railway Bridge connects east Delhi and Ghaziabad with north and northeast Delhi. It is one of the key routes for thousands of Delhi NCR commuters daily. Officials also that said traffic advisories will be issued for commuters to apprise them about alternative routes.
On Sunday morning also, the water level in Yamuna river crossed the danger mark. The water level in Yamuna has surged above 205.30 metres due to continuous heavy rainfall for the past few days in Delhi.
The IMD has forecast “generally cloudy sky with moderate rain” in the national capital till September 2. Meanwhile, “thunderstorm with rain” has been forecast for September 3. On September 4 and 5, Delhi is likely to witness “rain or thundershowers”.
