The Yamuna river flooding in Delhi has long been a perennial problem, leaving its mark every monsoon season. The monsoons of 2025 brought heavy rainfall in the first week of September, along with water releases from Haryana's Hathnikund barrage, pushing water levels above the danger mark. On 2nd September, the Old Delhi railway bridge recorded 206.36 meters, surpassing the danger threshold of 205.33 meters.
By 3rd September, water levels rose to 207.48 meters, displacing over 10,000 people, submerging areas like Mayur Vihar, Yamuna Bazaar, and Majnu Ka Tilla, and exacerbating traffic gridlock.
Also read an in-depth analysis of why Gurugram transforms into a 'swimming pool' during heavy rains.
Source: aajtak
The Historical Saga of Yamuna Floods: An Annual Menace
Delhi, cradled by the banks of the Yamuna, faces a recurrent battle with flooding. Historical records show that before 1956, the river would annually submerge trans-Yamuna regions. The 1978 floods remain one of the most catastrophic, with water rising to 207.49 meters, drowning areas like Alipur Block and Model Town—leading to 18 fatalities and ₹10 crore in damages. Despite embankment constructions, the problem persisted with high floods striking in 1988, 1995, and 1998.
Also examine the onset of severe deluges from Kashmir to Punjab-Delhi owing to unexpected weather changes.
The Last Decade (2015-2025): Yamuna's Impact on Delhi
2013: Water levels at 207.32 meters, moderate floods inundated various localities.
2023: A record-breaking flood reached 208.66 meters, left 25,000 homeless, affected 41,000; water reached the Supreme Court premises.
2025: Water levels breached danger marks again in September at 207.48 meters, leading to over 10,000 homeless in areas like Mayur Vihar and Yamuna Bazaar.
Other notable events: 2010 (207.11 meters), 2019 (204.70 meters—caution levels), and no major flood in 2024, but a double threat in 2025. From 2015-2025, danger levels were breached 4-5 times, although moderate levels were breached annually.
Causes of Flooding: Built Colonies or River Routes?
While the Yamuna flood appears natural, many factors are human-induced. According to the IMD and experts, various factors play a role...
Encroachments and Loss of Floodplain
: Yamuna's floodplain, spanning 9,700 hectares, has seen rampant construction—colonies, roads, bridges have shrunk its expanse. Prior to 1956, it was a lesser-known phenomenon, but embankment constructions have narrowed it considerably. In 2023, floodplain encroachments were a major catalyst. The soil's capacity to absorb river water diminished, and debris-laden sediments elevated the bed.
Siltation and Barrage Management:
Silt accumulation has shallowed Yamuna's bed. Sudden water discharges from Haryana's Hathnikund barrage (300,000 cusecs in 2025) can drown Delhi. The gates of ITO barrage often jam shut.
Failed Drainage Systems:
Delhi's 18 major drains, including Najafgarh and Shahdara, are clogged with sewage and debris, causing reverse flow during floods. Monsoon swells push river water back into the drains.
Climate Change:
Increased rainfall in the Himalayas (26.7% more in 2025), albeit experts claim anthropogenic activities as a primary cause.
Source: aajtak
Who is Responsible? Governments, Authorities, and Citizens
Flood accountability is multidimensional...
Haryana Government: Sudden water releases from Hathnikund serve as the main trigger—329,000 cusecs released in 2025 without ample warning.
Delhi Government and DDA: Failed encroachment control, despite promises post-2023 for the riverfront project. Drains remain uncleared and desilting neglected. Amidst 2025, CM Rekha Gupta claimed preparedness, yet camps lacked supplies.
Central Government (Ministry of Jal Shakti, CWC): Lack of barrage operation coordination, inaccuracies in data. Despite siltation and encroachment referenced in the 2023 report, no action ensued.
Residents and Builders: Unauthorized colonies on floodplains.
Source: aajtak
How to Cease the Havoc? Solutions and Suggestions
Long-term measures are crucial...
Restore Floodplain: Remove encroachments, give room to the river. Adhere to NGT and court mandates.
Desilt and Improve Drainage: Clear Yamuna and its drains. Maintain ITO barrage gates.
Barrage Management: Coordinate amongst Haryana-Delhi-UP authorities, fortify warning systems. Enhance CWC's forecasting.
Climate-Resilient Planning: Increase green cover, focus on climate change. Promptly act upon IMD warnings.
Strengthen Relief Efforts: Bolster NDRF and camps; 38 camps set up in 2025 were inadequate.
Time for Transformation
Delhi's flooding isn't just a 'river-in-colonies' issue, but a reflection of shared liability by Haryana, Delhi, and the Center. The lessons from the past decade's 4-5 destructive floods shouldn't go unheeded. Sustainable planning can stop these annual calamities. Governments must unite, or the Yamuna will continue to wreak havoc.
