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Yamuna crosses danger mark

The Yamuna river crossed the danger mark in New Delhi today after Haryana released additional water last night. Steps were being taken to evacuate people living in the low-lying areas, authorities said.

The river was flowing at 205.17 metres at 6 pm today and was expected to rise to 205.20 metres before receding, the flood control and irrigation department said. The danger mark is set at 204.83 metres.

The flood control department said the river had started rising after Haryana released 126,000 cusecs of water at the Tajjewala barrage at 11 pm yesterday.

''Unless Haryana releases more water, the river should start receding tomorrow morning,'' a statement said.

Meanwhile, the authorities said they had mounted relief measures for people living in the low-lying slums near the old railway bridge.

Deputy Commissioner (East) Diwan Chand said as the river was expected to rise to 205.2 metres, not many people would be affected. Only those living close to the edge may have to move. As of now, only a handful of people had shifted to the tents provided by the administration.

About 200 tents had been put up and mobile toilets and health teams were also being deployed. The municipal corporation and sub-divisional magistrates had also been alerted, he said.

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