India, July 23 -- New Delhi

Over 50,000 cusecs of water was discharged from the Hathnikund barrage for the first time this season, data from the Central Water Commission (CWC) showed, which is expected to take the water level of the Yamuna close to the "warning level" of 204.5 metres, given that the water released from the barrage takes 48-50 hours to reach Delhi.

The discharge touched a peak of 54,707 cusecs at 1am on Tuesday, the data showed. The water level at the Old Railway Bridge, considered the benchmark, was 202.24 metres at 5pm on Tuesday.

"This is the first time the peak discharge has crossed 50,000 cusecs and with more rain likely in the upper reaches of the Yamuna, an increase in water levels may occur in the next two to th...