A video showing water gushing inside a metro station went viral on Wednesday after businessman Harsh Goenka posted on X, “Forget Niagara Falls. Just take the metro in Delhi – you’ll get waterfalls, a free shower, and maybe even a swim – all included in the ticket price.”
Responding to the viral post, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) issued a clarification. “Hi, thanks for sharing! This visual doesn’t belong to any of the DMRC metro stations. For areas beyond DMRC’s jurisdiction, the concerned civic agencies/authorities may please be contacted,” DMRC said in its official statement.
Yamuna Breaches Danger Mark
The light-hearted exchange online coincided with a serious situation in the city. The water level of the Yamuna River crossed the danger mark on Wednesday morning, prompting precautionary evacuations from low-lying areas. The warning level is 204.5 metres, while the danger mark is 205.33 metres. Evacuations begin once the water reaches 206 metres.
Heavy rainfall over the past few days has swollen the river, and authorities have shifted residents of vulnerable areas to safer locations. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi’s forecast includes “generally cloudy sky with moderate rain” today, “thunderstorm with rain” tomorrow, and cloudy conditions with intermittent rain spells until September 8.
Evacuations and Restrictions
Several areas are already under strain. In Yamuna Bazar, people waded through thigh-deep water to relocate. At Civil Lines, shopkeepers at Monastery Market moved goods to higher ground. “All shops in low-lying areas have started shifting goods. I have three shops here, and water will definitely enter. The administration has advised us to stay alert and safe. We’ve been told that waterlogging may last for 2-3 days,” said Deepak Rastogi, a shopkeeper.
On Tuesday, rescue teams evacuated farmers stranded in Burari. At Majnu Ka Tila, water levels surged rapidly after heavy rainfall. Public movement and traffic were halted at Loha Pul from 5 pm onwards after the river breached the danger mark across the NCR.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, who inspected the situation at Loha Pul, assured citizens that all arrangements are in place. “The situation is under control. All arrangements for residents have been made, and even better measures will be ensured if needed. Accommodation facilities have been arranged, and water flow remains within the Yamuna plains. We will not let people face any difficulty. I have also spoken to leaders of adjoining states – J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, and Haryana – and assured them of all possible help. Together, we will face this crisis,” she said.