Fear of Major Tragedy in Yamuna Khadar as River Swells; 2,500 Locals Refuse to Leave Homes
East Delhi: Continuous heavy rainfall in the hills has led to a rise in the water level of the Yamuna River. Despite the threat, nearly 2,500 people living illegally in the Yamuna Khadar area are refusing to vacate their homes. The East Delhi administration has been making repeated public announcements, urging residents to move to safer locations. However, locals seem to be waiting for the danger to come right to their doorsteps before taking any action.
Illegal Settlers Previously Evicted
In June, the administration, along with Delhi Police, conducted a survey in the Khadar area. The survey revealed that around 2,500 people are still living in makeshift huts illegally. Last year, this number was close to 20,000. Following strict action by the Lieutenant Governor, the DDA had evicted a large number of illegal settlers from the region.
No Sense of Urgency Among Locals
Since Thursday morning, the district administration has been sending motorboats and staff to issue warnings and urge evacuation. Yet, families—including children, women, and the elderly—have chosen to remain. They seem unconcerned about the kind of devastation that heavy rains recently caused in Uttarakhand following a cloudburst.
Past Flooding Incidents in Khadar
The Old Iron Bridge serves as the point to monitor Yamuna’s water level in Delhi. Directly under this bridge, people are still living in shanties. Similar settlements remain near Mayur Vihar and the DND Flyway. Residents have told officials that they will leave only when water actually enters the area. In 2023, the Yamuna’s water level had risen so much that it reached the roads, submerging the Khadar shanties.
Boat Clubs on Alert
SDM Preet Vihar, Sandeep Yadav, said that the administration has placed boat clubs on high alert. Fourteen boats have been stationed at different locations, with divers on standby. Whenever needed, boats and divers will be dispatched immediately. Authorities continue to appeal to the public to stay away from the Yamuna.
No Flood Threat to Delhi, Says Official
East Delhi District Magistrate Amol Srivastava stated:
“The Yamuna’s water level has crossed the warning mark and is still rising, but there is no threat of flooding in Delhi. The Irrigation Department recently created certain cuts in the riverbed to ensure water flows smoothly without stagnating. We have begun making announcements in Yamuna Khadar, Kashmiri Gate, and Majnu Ka Tila, urging residents to move to safer areas. If the water level crosses 206 meters (danger mark: 205.33 meters), temporary relief camps will be set up for Khadar residents. Train movement on the Old Iron Bridge will be suspended by the Shahdara DM if necessary.”
Locals Remain Unfazed
“The water level is rising, but there’s no real danger to people living in Khadar. We will move only if the situation gets worse,”
said Kalawati, a local resident.
“Officials have told us to evacuate, but the water hasn’t entered Khadar yet. We’ll leave when it does,”
said Sanjeev, another resident.
