LG writes letter to Kejriwal, outlines factors behind Delhi floods

ongoing surge of Yamuna River above dangerous levels has prompted Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena to dress Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal through a detailed letter. In this communication, Saxena meticulously dissects root causes that have contributed to recent floods in Delhi. analysis, compiled by experts and officials from pertinent agencies, highlights various oversights on part of government that have significantly exacerbated flood situation.

letter penned by LG VK Saxena to CM Kejriwal delves into several critical aspects that have played a substantial role in intensifying flooding scenario.

Points stated in letter:  

(a) Discharge from Hathni Kund: In 2019, discharge from Hathni Kund reached a record high of 8.28 lakh cusec, causing Yamuna's water level at Old Railway Bridge (ORB) to touch 206.6 metres. Surprisingly, this year's discharge of 3.59 lakh cusec resulted in river level soaring to an unprecedented 208.66 metres at ORB.

(b) Obstructions along Yamuna: A 22 km stretch of Yamuna, spanning from Wazirab to Okhla, is riddled with 18 significant obstructions within riverbed, hindering natural flow of water.

(c) Outdated DJB calculations: Delhi Jal Board (DJB) relies on outdated and imprecise level-based discharge calculation tables at Wazirab Barrage.

(d) Construction debris obstacles: Failure to effectively clear Construction & Demolition (C&D) waste and debris from bridge construction sites by government departments resulted in blockages that impeded river's flow.

(e) Man-me velocity reduction: Man-me obstacles significantly reduced velocity of Yamuna water, prolonging elevated water levels within city for approximately six ditional hours.

(f) Silt accumulation and desilting lack: Yamuna's accumulation of silt over years and lack of desilting/dredging efforts furr escalated flood situation.

(g) Pipeline construction impact: A water pipeline constructed by Delhi Jal Board across drain no. 12 led to collapse of existing bund, causing water to surge into city around areas like WHO, ITO, and up to Supreme Court.

In response to se findings, LG VK Saxena proposed an all-encompassing framework of measures to tackle issue and prevent future flooding incidents:

letter calls for better coordination, enhanced efficiency, sustainable desilting and dredging, proactive planning, and streamlined ownership of Yamuna River stream, among or measures. Saxena's comprehensive letter underscores urgency of se strategies to protect Delhi from verse effects of flooding and calls for collective efforts and effective collaboration among various departments.