Delhi’s Chandrawal WTP reopens as Yamuna water level drops

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced on Sunday that the Chandrawal water treatment plant (WTP) in the national capital has recommenced operations as the water level in the Yamuna River dropped to 206.03 this morning.

The Chandrawal plant, along with the Wazirabad and Okhla water treatment plants, was closed on July 13 due to flooding in the pumping stations caused by the heavy rains.

Vice-Chairman of Delhi Jal Board, Somnath Bharti, shared on Twitter that the resumption of operations at the Chandrawal WTP would restore water supply of 105 million gallons per day (MGD) to central Delhi areas, including Rajender Nagar, Karol Bagh, Ballimaran, Chandni Chowk, Patel Nagar, Palam Vihar, Delhi Cantt, and NDMC areas.

According to Bharti, The restoration work for all three phases of the Wazirabad WTP is ongoing and is anticipated to be finished today.

In the midst of heavy rainfall causing waterlogging in key roads and nearby areas of the capital, the water level in the Yamuna River had crossed the danger mark, leading to flooding in several low-lying areas. This resulted in a blame game between the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the BJP. However, as of 8 am on Sunday, the water level was recorded at 206.02 meters and is expected to fall below the danger mark in the coming hours.

On Saturday night, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams conducted rescue operations in the low-lying regions around Pragati Maidan. Evacuated individuals were provided shelter at a relief camp in Mayur Vihar.

Fresh showers continued to affect various parts of the capital on Saturday, leading to extensive waterlogging and traffic disruptions on major roads.