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The Yamuna River in Delhi experienced an unprecedented rise reaching an alarming rate of 208.48 meters on 13th July 2023. the result was flooding in nearby streets, public facilities, and private infrastructure. This led to significant difficulties for people residing close to the river. 


Rivers like the Yamuna flood naturally each season, spreading nutrient-rich soil they carry from the glaciers onto the floodplains. This makes the Indo-Gangetic belt fertile. During intense rainfall, it is this zone that ought to turn into an unobstructed, roaring, brown force of nature. During intense rainfall, it's important that this zone remains unobstructed to allow the water to flow freely. Some of the water will replenish the underground water sources, while most of it will continue downstream. It is possible that some of the water will also fall outside these floodplains. There's a chance that some water may also go beyond these floodplains. If the floodplain is left undisturbed by human activities, the water flow might be less intense compared to what we currently experience.


When floodplains are obstructed or covered with concrete, rainwater cannot be absorbed. Many structures act like small dams, stopping the water from flowing freely, which adds to the problem. That forces the waters to rise rapidly and overflow.


The Commonwealth Games Village, Yamuna Velodrome, and Delhi Secretariat are all squatters on the floodplains. East Delhi, the dense part of the city, is also low-lying,  making it prone to flooding. Developing this area despite knowing the risk has put the safety and well-being of hundreds of thousands of people in danger, along with their properties and belongings.


Obstruction has spilled over to several of Delhi’s stormwater drains These drains are being blocked by plastics from smaller drains, illegal dumping of construction and demolition waste,  and other built structures. Consequently, micro-floods have terrified slum dwellers and others even in south Delhi.


There are 3 reasons mainly for Delhi Floods 

Topography: Over the years, there has been a lack of consideration for Delhi's natural boundaries and geographical features. The disregard for its topography has led to destructive decisions, such as clearing the water-conserving Southern Ridge forest in Vasant Kunj to build commercial structures like malls. 


Planning: The initial Masterplan of Delhi, developed in 1962, gradually lost its effectiveness over time due to neglect and lack of corrections. Housing projects meant to benefit the poor were not adequately executed, leading to a shortage of proper housing facilities. This resulted in the growth of slums, some of which are located on floodplains and near water channels, exacerbating the flooding problem.


Administration: There has been a strained relationship between successive Chief Ministers and their teams with environmentalists and the public. Public environmentalists, including NGOs, have often been dismissed as troublemakers, and there has been a lack of open dialogue. The government's environmental agencies have been overwhelmed, suffering from chronic understaffing and limited power for scientists. This has hindered effective environmental protection and decision-making, leading to inadequate measures to address flood-related challenges.


Sign the petition 


Urge MCD to 

  • Take stringent actions against encroachments 


Sources: 

As Yamuna’s Floods Terrify Residents of Delhi, What Is To Be Done? - Quint

Why is Delhi flooding? - TOI 

What’s happening to Delhi’s water bodies? - Indian Express 

The Yamuna River in Delhi experienced an unprecedented rise reaching an alarming rate of 208.48 meters on 13th July 2023. the result was flooding in nearby streets, public facilities, and private infrastructure. This led to significant difficulties for people residing close to the river. 


Rivers like the Yamuna flood naturally each season, spreading nutrient-rich soil they carry from the glaciers onto the floodplains. This makes the Indo-Gangetic belt fertile. During intense rainfall, it is this zone that ought to turn into an unobstructed, roaring, brown force of nature. During intense rainfall, it's important that this zone remains unobstructed to allow the water to flow freely. Some of the water will replenish the underground water sources, while most of it will continue downstream. It is possible that some of the water will also fall outside these floodplains. There's a chance that some water may also go beyond these floodplains. If the floodplain is left undisturbed by human activities, the water flow might be less intense compared to what we currently experience.


When floodplains are obstructed or covered with concrete, rainwater cannot be absorbed. Many structures act like small dams, stopping the water from flowing freely, which adds to the problem. That forces the waters to rise rapidly and overflow.


The Commonwealth Games Village, Yamuna Velodrome, and Delhi Secretariat are all squatters on the floodplains. East Delhi, the dense part of the city, is also low-lying,  making it prone to flooding. Developing this area despite knowing the risk has put the safety and well-being of hundreds of thousands of people in danger, along with their properties and belongings.


Obstruction has spilled over to several of Delhi’s stormwater drains These drains are being blocked by plastics from smaller drains, illegal dumping of construction and demolition waste,  and other built structures. Consequently, micro-floods have terrified slum dwellers and others even in south Delhi.


There are 3 reasons mainly for Delhi Floods 

Topography: Over the years, there has been a lack of consideration for Delhi's natural boundaries and geographical features. The disregard for its topography has led to destructive decisions, such as clearing the water-conserving Southern Ridge forest in Vasant Kunj to build commercial structures like malls. 


Planning: The initial Masterplan of Delhi, developed in 1962, gradually lost its effectiveness over time due to neglect and lack of corrections. Housing projects meant to benefit the poor were not adequately executed, leading to a shortage of proper housing facilities. This resulted in the growth of slums, some of which are located on floodplains and near water channels, exacerbating the flooding problem.


Administration: There has been a strained relationship between successive Chief Ministers and their teams with environmentalists and the public. Public environmentalists, including NGOs, have often been dismissed as troublemakers, and there has been a lack of open dialogue. The government's environmental agencies have been overwhelmed, suffering from chronic understaffing and limited power for scientists. This has hindered effective environmental protection and decision-making, leading to inadequate measures to address flood-related challenges.


Sign the petition 


Urge MCD to 

  • Take stringent actions against encroachments 


Sources: 

As Yamuna’s Floods Terrify Residents of Delhi, What Is To Be Done? - Quint

Why is Delhi flooding? - TOI 

What’s happening to Delhi’s water bodies? - Indian Express 

311 of 500 signatures