As flood levels surpassed the danger threshold on September 3, 2025, engulfing a significant portion of Delhi, the city is once again facing the wrath of the Yamuna River. The Yamuna breached the 207 m mark threshold five times since 1963. In addition to disrupting daily life and destroying livelihoods, the flooding also caused the closing of Nigambodh Ghat, the city’s oldest cremation ground.

Source: X

Cremation Grounds Submerged, Rituals Halted

Authorities were compelled to close Nigambodh Ghat, a cremation ground that conducts typically 55 to 60 cremations a day, as the Yamuna breached the 207 m mark.

• Closure Time: Operations ceased at approximately 2:30 p.m.
• Reason: Water that was rising got inside the building.
• Capacity: 42 cremation platforms are available.

Staff had to move rituals to higher ground due to water at the Geeta Colony crematorium. This interruption demonstrated how the calamity upset the delicate balance of vital civic services.

Also Read: Can Trump-Backed Aalo Atomics Slash Emissions From Data Centres?

Thousands Displaced, Rescue Operations On

Thousands of people had to leave their houses when the Yamuna grew. The revenue department attested to this:

• 8,018 individuals were relocated to tents.
• 2,030 individuals were relocated to 13 long-term shelters.
• There are still 180 people awaiting relocation.
• In low-lying areas, 10,000 people are still immediately affected.

Among the actions taken by the government were:

• 13 regulator drains must be closed to prevent backflow.
• Coordinating the water discharge from the Okhla Barrage with Uttar Pradesh officials.
• In relief camps, pesticides are sprayed to prevent the spread of diseases carried by mosquitoes.

To remove stranded families, rescue crews from the fire department, police, and NDRF have been working nonstop. In locations like Madanpur Khadar, Jaitpur, and Badarpur, people waded through neck-deep water while carrying goods on their heads.

Also Read: Trump Administration Pulled $679M From Offshore Wind Projects In Major Renewable Setback

Impact on Daily Life

Normal life in Delhi came to a complete halt due to the floods:

• Shops & Livelihoods: Companies were destroyed in Majnu-ka-Tila. Long-term repair expenses and damaged merchandise were reported by store owners like Anup Thapa.
• Housing: Families in Jhuggi, or informal settlements, were forced to live on the side of the road under plastic sheets after losing their homes.
• Animals: From submerged areas, activists saved stray dogs, including ones that were pregnant and injured.
• Traffic Chaos: In anticipation of severe traffic, Delhi Police issued advisories with detours from Majnu-ka-Tila to Salimgarh By-Pass.

Also Read: Char Dham Yatra Faces 55 Zero-Pilgrim Days In Four Months As Extreme Weather Hits Uttarakhand’s Pilgrimage Economy

Looking Ahead

The Yamuna may continue to rise after the Hathnikund Barrage releases more than 1.68 lakh cusecs of water. The worst could not be over, according to authorities. Traffic detours, relief camps, and other cremation locations are short-term solutions, but the city’s flood control issues are long-term.

Devastating floods have struck Delhi in 1978, 2010, 2013, and 2023; the floods of 2025 are yet another warning that millions of people remain at risk due to climate extremes and inadequate riverfront planning.

Also Read: EU Confirms CBAM Rollout In January 2026, Steel Sector Calls For Clearer Implementation Details