Flood threat: Dogged rescue operation reveals holes

NEW DELHI: Screams from a partially submerged hut pierced the air, stunning hundreds of spectators gathered at what is called the Sonia Vihar Pushta II, not far from the Wazirabad bridge. The crowd failed to react. Police were missing from the scene. There were no signs displaying a helpline or control room number. A lone boat anchored below had a boatman but no safety gear. As the waters continued to rise, it took the authorities more than an hour to carry out the rescue. Finally, four dogs tied to a tree near a hut were set free, but the big question remains: what if there were people inside? As the city braces for its worst flood, the preparedness of various agencies and coordination between them seems weak. At the waterfront on Tuesday, the crowd of spectators was a worrying sight. There were no barricades to prevent people from going down the steep slope, although police are supposed to ensure that people stay away from the embankments. Setting the rescue apparatus into motion tested the TOI team thoroughly. First, the boatman and the TOI photographer rushed to the hut minus life jackets or any preparation for rescue. The boat caught in hyacinth, wasting precious time. This correspondent tried to find cops at a post about 500 metres from the spot but they seemed reluctant and clueless. Soon, they disappeared from the scene even as a large crowd stood dangerously on the edge of the embankment. The boatman had to struggle against the water and wires to enter the hut. When their cries got no response, the boatman and his helper decided to abort the operation although they saw the four dogs tied to a tree. Back on the shore, the helper left for lunch and did not return, rendering the boat useless. This correspondent then approached divisional commissioner Dharampal, and deputy commissioner (east) and nodal officer in-charge of floods Krishna Mohan Uppu for help. They expressed shock at the tardy rescue work and order the Boat Club near ISBT Kashmere Gate to send a boat to the hut. In the meantime, policemen strolled in but paid little attention to crowd management. Soon after this, a political leader arrived with supporters but made light of TOI's concerns about the rescue work at the hut, saying there was hardly enough water to be a cause of concern. He left without bothering to see the end of the operation. No one from the flood control department was present at the site, nor was any number displayed to reach the department. After calls to the divisional commissioner and the deputy commissioner, the control room responded swiftly, still it took almost 30 minutes to cover the distance against the rising waters. After a treacherous wait the lone boatman reached out to the hut and freed the helpless canines. A happy ending, but should the drama have lasted more than hour? Flood update 8.06 cusec discharge from Hathni Kund on Monday morning Yamuna crosses danger level of. 204.83m at Old Railway Bridge by 7am on Tuesday Hits 205.46m by 5pm Likely to touch 207.75m by Wednesday noon. Govt gears up Chief secretary orders evacuation on Monday. All agencies to report flood status by 6.30pm daily. CM holds review on Tuesday. Old Railway Bridge closed to traffic . 62 boats kept ready at Boat Club and other key locations for rescue work. More than 400 tents set up in four districts to accommodate people left homeless . More than 2,000 people evacuated to relief camps . SDMs to ensure police patrolling and presence of civil defence volunteers in vulnerable areas . Disaster Control Room to monitor water level and provide SMS alerts to all key functionaries . Flood and control department blocks all backflow outlets & opens flood gates . Different agencies appoint teams to take care of all 153 waterlogging points . Delhi Police to submit daily reports and keep spectators off the banks.

Source - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Flood-threat-Dogged-rescue-operation-reveals-holes/articleshow/20658046.cms