Irrigation department remains on high alert as monsoon season continues despite improving conditions

The impact of heavy rainfall in the catchment areas of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh became clearly visible at Haryana's Hathnikund Barrage on Tuesday, as the water level in the Yamuna rose rapidly within just a few hours, forcing authorities to release 63,110 cusecs of water towards Delhi. Given the mounting pressure, 15 flood gates were opened, putting the administration and irrigation department on high alert.

However, in a relief, the water level dropped quickly after rainfall eased in the upper catchment areas. As of 7 am on Wednesday, a total of 31,870 cusecs of water was recorded at the barrage, of which only 15,690 cusecs was being released towards Delhi via the Yamuna. Officials said the situation was fully under control, though they remained on high alert as the monsoon season is far from over.

Rapid Rise and Fall in Water Levels

According to the Irrigation Department, 34,364 cusecs of water was recorded in the Yamuna at Hathnikund Barrage at 1 pm on Tuesday. Just two hours later, by 3 pm, the figure had surged to 79,620 cusecs. Due to the mounting pressure, 63,110 cusecs of water had to be released towards Delhi, and 15 flood gates of the barrage were opened. However, following reports of declining water levels from Dakpathar in Uttarakhand and Paonta Sahib in Himachal Pradesh, the situation improved rapidly.

By 7 am on Wednesday, a total of 31,870 cusecs of water was recorded at Hathnikund Barrage, of which only 15,690 cusecs was being released into the Yamuna. Experts said this quantity falls within the normal range and should allow Delhi's drinking water supply to continue functioning smoothly, adding that there were no flood-like conditions at present.

Memories of Last Year's Devastation Still Fresh

The frightening images from last year remain fresh in people's minds. On September 1, a sudden inflow of nearly 3.4 lakh cusecs of water had submerged several areas of Yamunanagar, Haryana, and Delhi in floods. This year, however, despite the monsoon being more than half over, the Yamuna has remained calm so far, and there has not been a single instance requiring all flood gates of Hathnikund Barrage to be opened.

Flood Threshold Levels Explained

According to the Irrigation Department, an inflow of 1 lakh cusecs is classified as a "mini flood," while 2.5 lakh cusecs marks "flood level," and anything above 3 lakh cusecs is considered an extremely serious situation. Hathnikund Barrage has a maximum discharge capacity of 10 lakh cusecs. Officials said there is currently no threat-level situation, but given the Meteorological Department's warnings, the administration is closely monitoring every development. They cautioned that if heavy rainfall resumes in the hills, the Yamuna's behaviour could change at any time.