Flood Crisis in Yamuna Floodplains

Large-scale flooding in the Yamuna floodplains in Delhi has displaced thousands of residents, forcing them into relief camps, while prolonged waterlogging continues to disrupt livelihoods and health.

Background of the Crisis

• Yamuna River in Delhi: A major tributary of the Ganga, flowing through Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh.
• Flood levels: The danger mark in Delhi is 205.33 m at the Old Railway Bridge.
• In August 2024, the Yamuna water level crossed the danger mark for consecutive days, submerging low-lying settlements like Yamuna Bazar, Majnu ka Tila, Mayur Vihar.

Impact of Flooding

• Humanitarian Impact
  • Thousands displaced; many forced into temporary relief camps.
  • Health issues reported: fever, skin infections, waterborne diseases, and mosquito-related risks.
  • Education disruption: children unable to attend schools.
• Livelihood Loss
  • Farmers lost crops (bottle gourd, ridge gourd, ladyfinger).
  • Shopkeepers and daily wage earners reported severe income loss.
  • Cattle herders faced problems as camps lacked adequate facilities for livestock.
• Infrastructure Stress
  • Houses submerged; makeshift relief arrangements inadequate.
  • Shortages in essential supplies: medicines, mosquito nets, electricity, clean water.

Institutional and Governance Issues

• Relief camps: Provided by Delhi government but criticized for poor conditions.
• Central Water Commission (CWC): Monitoring water levels and issuing alerts, but effective dissemination and preparedness remain weak.
• Lack of floodplain zoning laws and unregulated encroachment worsens vulnerability.
• Coordination gap between central and state agencies delays response.

Structural Concerns: Why Urban Flooding is Increasing

• Encroachment on floodplains: Settlements, markets, and agriculture in Yamuna floodplains reduce natural drainage capacity.
• Climate Change: Intensified and erratic monsoon leading to high-intensity rainfall.
• Infrastructure Deficiencies: Poor drainage, absence of flood-resilient housing.
• Release from upstream barrages (e.g., Hathnikund Barrage in Haryana) exacerbates sudden flooding.

Way Forward

• Policy and Legal Measures
  • Enforce floodplain zoning under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and River Regulation Zone
  • Strengthen Disaster Management Act, 2005 implementation through effective coordination between NDMA, state governments, and local bodies.
• Urban and Ecological Resilience
  • Introduce nature-based solutions: wetland conservation, afforestation along riverbanks.
  • Prohibit further encroachment in Yamuna floodplains.
  • Promote flood-resilient infrastructure and housing.
• Institutional Mechanisms
  • Strengthen CWC flood forecasting with real-time satellite data integration.
  • Enhance community-based disaster preparedness: early warning systems, local rescue teams, training for residents.
• Relief and Rehabilitation
  • Improve conditions in relief camps: adequate sanitation, medicines, electricity, and support for education.
  • Long-term rehabilitation policies for displaced persons to reduce recurring vulnerabilities.