Delhi Ready To Deal With Floods, Says Minister Atishi

Delhi Minister Atishi stated that the government is prepared for potential flooding and has implemented flood control and relief measures in case the Yamuna overflows.

A waterlogged street during the Delhi floods of 2023.

Delhi Minister and Aam Aadmi Party leader Atishi on Friday said that her government is ready to deal with a flood if the situation arises. She said all flood control and relief measures were in place in case the level of the Yamuna rose.

"We took the stake of the preparations of Delhi govt and all the concerned departments regarding flood relief and flood control. We hope that the flood situation doesn't occur in Delhi. But, if the level of water in Yamuna rises, Delhi govt is ready to deal with that," Atishi said.

#WATCH | Delhi Minister & AAP leader Atishi says, "We took the stake of the preparations of Delhi govt and all the concerned departments regarding flood relief and flood control. We hope that the flood situation doesn't occur in Delhi. But, if the level of water in Yamuna rises,… pic.twitter.com/IOeI7C6eAM

— ANI (@ANI) July 5, 2024

Atishi was addressing a press meeting after she and minister Saurabh Bhardwaj attended a meeting of the apex committee for flood control.

#WATCH | Delhi Ministers Saurabh Bharadwaj & Atishi hold Apex Committee meeting over flood control in the national capital, at Delhi Secretariat

(Source: Flood Control Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj Office) pic.twitter.com/ocPvZPWVeB

— ANI (@ANI) July 5, 2024

Last week Delhi faced floods in several areas after an intense downpour. Vehicles were seen floating on the flooded streets as several stretches were closed. Commuters were stuck for several hours due to the floods.

2023 Delhi Floods

In 2023, Delhi faced one of the worst floods in history. Several regions in northern India, especially in Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir, were affected by the torrential monsoon rains. Over 100 people were reported to be dead.

Videos of a flooded Red Fort In Delhi quickly became viral. On July 9, 2023, Delhi received the highest 24-hour rainfall in 40 years —  153 cm. The Yamuna, too, broke its record by reaching the highest level ever recorded. Thousands were displaced and had to be moved to government shelters. The Delhi government needs to be prepared to deal with a similar situation this year.