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Yamuna water level crosses danger mark

NEW DELHI, Oct 19 (UNI) — The water level at the Old Yamuna Bridge crossed the 204.83-metre danger mark today, forcing the Northern Railway to divert all rail traffic.

Sources in the Flood Control Department told UNI that the water level stood at 205.41 metres this evening and the situation was being monitored every two hours as there had been a steady increase in the level during the past 48 hours. The level is expected to touch 207 metre by noon tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Northern Railway sources said in view of the threat of flooding all rail traffic through the Old Yamuna Bridge had been diverted to run via the Tilak Bridge-Sahibabad section.

Delhi Chief Minister Sushma Swaraj has constituted a flood control committee, including representatives from the Railways, Army and the Home Guards.

The government has also sought help from the legislators to meet the requirements of the people affected by the floods.

The areas likely to be affected include Sonia Vihar, Shri Ram Colony, Batla House, Yamuna Pushta, Badarpur Khadar, Ghori village, Mandola, Osmanpur and Meethapur.

Bihar Governor meets Home Minister

NEW DELHI, Oct 19 (UNI) — The meeting of Bihar Governor Sunder Singh Bhandari with Union Home Minister L.K. Advani raised eyebrows in the political circles here today.

The visit was described as a courtesy call on the Divali day. The Governor is believed to have apprised the Home Minister of the latest political situation in Bihar.

Several dignitaries, including Minister of State for Tourism Sukhbir Singh Badal and Delhi Chief Minister Sushma Swaraj, called on Mr Advani for exchanging festival greetings.

Mr Advani called on President K.R. Narayanan, Vice-President Krishan Kant, Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and BJP president Kushabhau Thakre to convey his greetings.

Two Army officers killed in 'copter crash

SHIMLA, Oct 19 (UNI) — Two Army officers were killed when a helicopter they were piloting crashed near Sapni village in Sangla valley of Kinnaur district today, police sources said.

The deceased were identified as a Major and a Captain, pilot and co-pilot of the helicopter. They were going on a rescue mission from Jalandhar to Chitkul in Kinnaur district.

Their bodies have been handed over to Army authorities.