As Yamuna-level approaches 5-year high, locals allege no government help
What's the story
Even as the Yamuna inched towards touching its highest water level since 2013, several locals alleged the government has provided no help.
There's no food, no tents and no electricity, they said. Many have moved into shelters they made themselves on roads, HT reported.
But a government official claimed it was the residents who had refused to move to government shelters; 15 people almost died, reports said.
Twitter Post
CM Kejriwal directs Kailash Gahlot to visit affected areas
Directed Kailash Gehlot ji, Minister-in-charge, to visit the area alongwith all officers and ensure proper arrangements. https://t.co/baelUjCsJT
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) July 30, 2018
Visit
Gahlot hit by complaints during visit
Delhi Revenue Minister Kailash Gahlot visited the affected areas yesterday, and was met with a barrage of complaints.
Kamal Singh, a Gandhi Nagar market resident, said power had been cut since Sunday.
A woman alleged "those not affected by rising waters have been brought to government shelters" while they are suffering.
Many were seen constructing shelters themselves in Shakarpur Pushta.
Government
Officials refute claims, allege locals had refused to move
Responding to the allegations, an official said, "There are dozens who have refused to move. They said they'd move only after water enters their homes."
However, Gahlot directed redressal "within an hour."
"After his visit, at least 18 camps were set up in Gandhi Market," an official said.
According to the government, 10,000 people have been evacuated so far and 1,150 tents set up.
Information
15 people nearly drown as they 'refused to move out'
Meanwhile, 15 people were saved from drowning near Shamshan Ghat in Burari. TOI reported they hadn't vacated their homes despite rising waters, and got trapped. After they made frantic calls to emergency services, boats were deployed and they were rescued, said DM K Mahesh.
Status
Traffic suspended on Old Yamuna bridge, train services hit
The water level in Yamuna is expected to hit 206.6m today, the highest since 2013, when the level touched 207.3m and the capital encountered a flood-like situation.
By 9pm yesterday, the level had touched 205.8m.
Traffic has been suspended on the Old Yamuna Bridge. Train services have also been hit, with at least 27 trains being cancelled yesterday morning.
Predictions
More rains predicted, but officials expect Yamuna to recede
Irrigation and flood control department officials expect water levels to start receding from tomorrow, after reaching a peak today.
"Haryana released 6L cusecs of water from Hathnikund barrage Saturday. That water is expected to reach Delhi today evening. We expect the water to start receding from tomorrow as Haryana has already reduced its water release."
Meanwhile, the IMD has predicted heavy rains over the next five days.