As heavy rains ravage many states in North India, a flood alert was issued earlier this week in parts of Delhi, Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. The Delhi government issued an advisory stating, “People in low-lying areas to vacate their place as the water level neared warning level in the Yamuna river.”
Every year, the Delhi government sets up tents along with food, medical and sanitation facilities for people who live in low lying areas. But who are these people and why do they need to live right at the edge of the banks of Yamuna river? When this Newslaundry correspondent visited these flood-prone areas of Delhi–which includes Nighambodh Ghat, Yamuna Bazar and Kisan Basti–it was revealed that residents of these areas predominantly live in poverty.
