Over just 24 hours, the Yamuna’s water level surged from approximately 202.24 m to 204.13 m at Delhi’s Old Railway Bridge—just 0.37 metres short of the official warning mark (204.5 m) as of midday Wednesday. This sharp rise followed increased spillage from Haryana’s Hathnikund Barrage, which exceeded 50,000 cusecs for the first time this monsoon, peaking at around 54,700 cusecs late Monday night.

Experts highlight that it takes roughly 48 hours for released water to reach Delhi, meaning further rise is likely by Thursday. The danger level is set at 205.33 m, and while Delhi narrowly avoided breaching the warning level last year (peaking at 204.38 m), flood threats remain real once thresholds are crossed.

Activists warn that factors like siltation and floodplain encroachment have gradually elevated the riverbed, leading to higher water levels even under moderate discharge. Major floods peak between August and September historically.

Delhi’s Irrigation & Flood Control department is on high alert. Teams along riverbanks are monitoring vulnerable zones, while the Central Water Commission (CWC) has not yet issued flood warnings since key thresholds remain unbreached. However, preparedness measures are active in case the river crosses closer to 205 metres, the suggested evacuation mark.