Incident Details:
- Event: 2023 Delhi floods, the worst in the city’s history
- Issue: Inaccuracy in flood forecasting by the Central Water Commission (CWC)
- Cause: Flow of Yamuna river was obstructed by silt, muck, and other factors
Relevance : GS 3(Environment )
Forecasting Issues
- CWC Report: Submitted to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on January 4, 2024
- Findings: The forecast was not as accurate as expected due to obstacles along the river, primarily between Wazirabad and Okhla stretches.
- Forecasting Conditions: The CWC emphasized that accurate forecasts require “free flow conditions” in the river channels.
Impairment of River Flow
- Key Factors Impacting Flow:
- Non-opening of all gates of the ITO barrage
- Formation of islands of silt deposits
- Tree growth in the river
- Muck disposal from ongoing construction activities along the river
- These obstacles significantly reduced the river’s ability to carry floodwaters, contributing to the inaccuracy of the forecasts.
Flood Impact
- Yamuna Level: The CWC had initially forecasted the water level to remain steady, but it continued to rise, eventually reaching an all-time high of 208.66 meters on July 13, 2023.
- The floods severely affected central Delhi, particularly in areas like ITO.
Government’s Response
- The CWC’s findings were presented in response to a suo motu case initiated by the NGT.
- The NGT had raised concerns about the inaccuracy of the flood forecast, based on an article in The Hindu highlighting the issue.
Concerns and Implications
- Lack of timely action on managing river flow and addressing obstacles led to misjudgments in forecasting.
- Inadequate infrastructure and planning around the river channels worsened the situation.
- The flood’s devastating impact underlines the need for better forecasting systems, effective river management, and improved construction regulations along critical waterways.
Way Forward
- Strengthen flood forecasting systems with more accurate river data and real-time monitoring.
- Ensure proper maintenance and regulation of critical infrastructure like barrages and river channels to avoid blockages.
- Implement measures to reduce muck and debris disposal near sensitive river areas.
