New Delhi: With the Yamuna swelling to a staggering 208.48 metres, Delhi's prominent India Gate is not far from being flooded, as areas like ITO, Red Fort and Delhi Secretariat are already submerged. India Gate is only three to four kilometres away from the bank of the Yamuna, and even closer to the flooded Ring Road and IP Flyover. On the other hand, the floodwater has spilt into major areas of Northeast Delhi like Kashmere Gate, Majnu Ka Tilla, and Civil lines. The Yamuna River has risen to a staggering 208.48 metres on Thursday. The water level of the river has increased rapidly in the last three days, breaking the previous record of 207.49 metres set 45 years ago by a significant margin. As the Yamuna water level rises, the Delhi Secretariat that houses offices of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, his cabinet and other senior bureaucrats, was flooded on Thursday. The road from Rajghat to Delhi Secretariat was also submerged.
Flooding at vicinity around India Gate is going to affect the work at the top government offices and lead to major traffic disruptions. The area houses Prime Minister's office, President's residence, offices of four important ministries of Home, Finance, Defence and External Affairs.
Important union government offices such as Rail Bhawan, Udyog Bhawan, Shashtri Bhawan and Krishi Bhawan are located close to the Kartavya Path adjoining India Gate.
Rise in water level has caused immense problems for people living near the river. With more water to be released from the Haryana's Hathnikund barrage, the upcoming areas that house the Indian parliament, Supreme Court and India Gate can also be submerged.
