Delhi flood alert: CM Dikshit appeals people not to panic

New Delhi, Sep 10 (ANI): Playing down the imminent flood threat in the region, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Friday appealed to the people to not to panic, and said the authorities are prepared to handle any eventuality to combat the water overflow.

"There is no need to worry. Please do not spread panic. Everything is in place and the administration is fully equipped to handle any eventuality. I was informed earlier today that some breaches have taken place in canals outside Delhi, due to which the water coming through them has also deviated to other areas," said Dikshit.

"Thus, Delhi will not suffer as much from the floods was expected. In any case, we are prepared and will take necessary action," she added.

The water level in Yamuna river in Delhi is steadily rising. It crossed the danger mark of 204.83 meters on Thursday afternoon as Haryana released over eight lakh cusec water in the last two days from the Hatnikund barrage, causing it to swell.

It is now flowing close to one meter above the danger mark and officials fear that the level may even go upto 207 meters by Friday, which may flood low-lying areas.

Sheila Dikshit further stressed on greater public participation in the 2010 Commonwealth Games to make the event a grand success.

Dikshit, who was addressing the press at the unveiling of specially designed 'green' signboards for the Games, stressed on greater public participation to make the event a grand success.

"The Games belong to all of us, the government and the people. The event belongs to all the political factions, whether ruling or in the opposition. The Games belong to India. That is why the credit only goes to the labourer and the people who have worked hard to make this dream project successful," said Dikshit, while addressing the media at the unveiling of specially designed 'green' signboards for the 2010 Games.

The 2010 Commonwealth Games, which kicks off on October 3, is India's biggest sporting event since the 1982 Asian Games.

India is expecting about two million tourists in New Delhi for the Games, as well as about 10,000 athletes from 71 teams representing 54 Commonwealth member states. (ANI)