Camel hair—often called camel wool—is a specialty animal fiber prized for its warmth, drape, and quiet luxury. Most premium camel hair comes from the Bactrian camel (the two-humped species) of Central and East Asia. These camels grow a dual coat: long, coarse guard hairs that protect the animal from weather, and a much finer, softer undercoat (the “down”) that spinners and weavers value for apparel. The down is typically a natural golden-tan, though it dyes readily much like sheep’s wool. Collection is relatively gentle compared with many other animal fibers. Each spring, Bactrian camels naturally molt, shedding both guard hair and down over a 6–8 week period. Herders gather tufts by hand, comb the animals, or in some cases shear; afterwards, the fiber is washed and “dehaired” to remove the coarse outer fibers so only the soft down remains for fine yarns. Typical annual yield per animal is a few kilograms of hair, of which only a fraction is the prized down, contributing to its relati...
1. Flood Hazard Zones in Delhi
Delhi’s Irrigation & Flood Control Department classifies the region into thirteen flood-risk zones, based on elevation, rainfall, river proximity, drainage, and land use ddma.delhi.gov.in. Risk levels typically range from low to very high, with southern and southwestern parts of the city—including areas adjacent to the Yamuna—being the most vulnerable AGSRTddma.delhi.gov.in.
2. Yamuna Floodplain and Encroachment Crisis
The Yamuna floodplain is a key natural buffer, but it has suffered from rampant encroachment. Notable structures such as the Commonwealth Games Village, Akshardham Temple, and Metro depots have intruded into the floodplain—along with 2480 hectares seized since 2009—compromising its flood-carrying capacity The Times of India+1. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has intervened, demanding clearer demarcation and removal of illegal encroachments, emphasizing inclusion of the 1-meter contour for accurate floodplain mapping The Times of India+1.
3. 2023 Yamuna Floods: A Red Alert
In July 2023, Delhi witnessed its highest recorded water levels in decades, with the Yamuna breaching danger levels and inundating areas near Red Fort, Connaught Place, and even the Chief Minister’s residence The Times of IndiaWikipedia. Satellite-based imagery confirmed widespread inundation across vulnerable zones ndrf.nrsc.gov.in.
A 2023 case study reported that a 100-year flood (8701 cumec discharge) could submerge 54.8 km², 24% more area than the July 2023 flood, with critical embankments at Nili Chhatri/Yamuna Bazar Ring Road at risk of overtopping cwc.gov.in.
4. Recent Government Actions
In September 2025, the Delhi government’s Flood Control Report 2025 acknowledged a disturbing trend: the Yamuna’s flood-carrying capacity has significantly declined, with even modest flows reaching dangerous levels The Times of India.
Flood alerts continue. Recently, the IMD issued alerts as Yamuna crossed danger marks, leading to submerged low-lying areas, thousands displaced in Delhi, Noida, and Ghaziabad, and disruptions in traffic and essential services The Economic Times
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5. Preparedness and Institutional Oversight
Ahead of monsoons, Delhi’s Flood Control Minister conducted a river inspection at Palla, evaluating embankment health and drainage systems. This follows criticism of inadequate preventive measures post-2023, though authorities maintain that “most drainage systems are functioning effectively” The Times of India+1.
Meanwhile, the NGT continues to press for enforcement: it has ordered the DDA to submit a timeline to clear illegal settlements in the “O” zone and floodplain, reinforcing that no legal claims are valid in these areas The Times of India.
5. Preparedness and Institutional Oversight
Ahead of monsoons, Delhi’s Flood Control Minister conducted a river inspection at Palla, evaluating embankment health and drainage systems. This follows criticism of inadequate preventive measures post-2023, though authorities maintain that “most drainage systems are functioning effectively” The Times of India+1.
Meanwhile, the NGT continues to press for enforcement: it has ordered the DDA to submit a timeline to clear illegal settlements in the “O” zone and floodplain, reinforcing that no legal claims are valid in these areas The Times of India.
Note
Delhi remains highly vulnerable to flooding, especially in areas adjacent to the Yamuna. Shrinking floodplains, climate variability, and urban encroachment compound risks. While authorities have begun to act—issuing alerts, debating zoning accuracy, and planning infrastructure reviews—flood resilience hinges on decisive implementation and restoring natural .
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