Delhi's flood control authorities have activated a three-stage warning mechanism under the Flood Control Order, 2026, as the monsoon season approaches. The system triggers alerts, evacuation measures, and emergency response based on water discharge from Haryana's Hathnikund Barrage into the Yamuna River.
First Warning Level: 1 Lakh Cusecs
The first flood warning for the Yamuna is issued when discharge from Hathnikund Barrage exceeds one lakh cusecs. At this stage, all sector control rooms become operational and begin monitoring vulnerable stretches of the river.
Second Warning Level: 3 Lakh Cusecs
The second warning is activated when discharge crosses three lakh cusecs. Authorities then warn residents living within the Yamuna embankments and shift them to safer locations. Police and flood control personnel intensify patrolling along the river embankments.
Third Warning Level: 5 Lakh Cusecs
The highest alert is triggered if discharge exceeds five lakh cusecs. Residents in highly vulnerable areas are advised to move to higher ground as needed.
Najafgarh Drain Warnings
For Najafgarh Drain, first, second, and third warnings are issued when discharge at Masani Barrage crosses 35,000 cusecs, 70,000 cusecs, and one lakh cusecs, respectively. During the initial warning, residents of low-lying Jheel areas in Najafgarh are asked to remain alert, and rescue boats are stationed at vulnerable locations. As water levels rise, people are shifted to safer locations.
Monitoring and Timeline
The Central Water Commission's Flood Forecasting Division monitors the Yamuna basin and issues forecasts based on releases from Hathnikund Barrage. Floodwaters typically take 36 to 72 hours to reach Delhi, giving authorities time to activate emergency measures.
The provisional warning level for the Yamuna at the Old Railway Bridge is set at 204.50 metres, with the danger level at 205.33 metres. Delhi recorded its highest-ever flood level of 208.66 metres in 2023, surpassing the previous record of 207.49 metres set in 1978.
Army Assistance and Vulnerable Points
The order allows seeking Army assistance for rescue operations, evacuation, and relief distribution. According to government assessment, around 15 Army boats may be required during a major flood event. Authorities have identified several vulnerable points along the Yamuna requiring continuous monitoring during high discharge or heavy rainfall.
Drain Maintenance
The Irrigation and Flood Control Department is responsible for de-silting and maintaining major rural drains, including Mungeshpur Drain, Nangloi Drain, Drain No. 6, Burari Creek, Bankner Drain, and Shahdara drainage system before the monsoon. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi must ensure village link drains and stormwater drainage systems remain functional to prevent waterlogging in rural areas.
