Yamuna water receding, but normalcy for people is yet to prevail

On July 18th, the water level in the Yamuna River fell below the critical mark of 205.33 meters. However, it began to rise again the following morning. Restoring normalcy in the aftermath of the monsoon season will prove to be a challenging task. Many residents in low-lying areas of Delhi were left without shelter after their homes were flooded. The sight of water inundating the streets of North and East Delhi became viral online. To ensure the safety of the affected population, the government implemented evacuation measures and established relief camps in these regions.

Life after floods, Ground Report

‘We want water. We will earn and get food. But, water is what we need right now. Give us water at least’, said Rajni aggressively when Groundreport visited one such camp to understand, and report on the ground realities. This particular wasn’t set up by the government. But, as the water was entering people’s homes they made living arrangements on the pavements.

The individuals residing in the camp were discontented with the arrangements that had been made for them by the AAP government led by Kejriwal. They were compelled to dwell on the Mayur Vihar-Noida link road in East Delhi, where their only source of illumination came from streetlights. Criticizing their living conditions, they expressed their dissatisfaction by stating that they have been residing in darkness as the streetlights do not function properly. As a young man in the makeshift camp pointed towards the distant area, he mentioned, "The streetlights near the bus stand are the only ones that work."

Pramila Devi, one of the residents in the makeshift camp said, the food quality is abysmal. Even animals won’t eat this. She showed us the quality of rotis and rice. There was fungus on the food as well. 

Several residents also pointed out that volunteers and AAP representatives weren’t compassionate in listening to their issues. Instead, they pointed out how several residents have too many kids.

Need for immunization and action

Immunization has been in conversation amidst flooding in various parts as it leads to an increase in water-borne diseases. With humidity, moisture settles on bedsheets, clothes, food etc, leading to serious diseases. Hence, fungus on food would be common as well. Medical and relief teams have been deployed in these regions to contain the situation.

The impact of frequent and unusual rainfall is on the most vulnerable sections of society. As it happened in Delhi, the media covers it extensively. The situation is quite fragile in parts of Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, where people are questioning the cost of development.

With the recent reports, over 40,000 people have been affected by the floods. They have lost their homes and basic amenities. Further, as per The Indian Express report, almost 9,000 people were affected in Gautam Budh Nagar district. The AAP government would compensate people, but would it be enough?

Hence, governments should unite and extend assistance to the most vulnerable individuals during such circumstances, offering them the essential support needed to rebuild their lives and regain normalcy.

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