Quota Protests Shouldn't Hit Delhi's Water Supply, Centre Tells Haryana

New Delhi: The Narendra Modi government stepped in today as Delhi braced for a severe water crisis, shutting down schools and government offices, as the Jat protests reached a crescendo in neighbouring Haryana. The Centre asked Haryana's Manohar Lal Khattar government to ensure that Delhi's water supply is not affected.

On Saturday night, the Delhi government has moved the Supreme Court, seeking direction to the Centre to intervene and ensure water supply.

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and Delhi Water Minister Kapil Mishra also took up the matter with Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

This morning, the National Crisis Management Committee asked the Haryana government to ensure that there is no disruption of water supply in Delhi.

Around 60 per cent of Delhi's water supply is expected to be hit as the protests hit the operations at the Munak Canal. Seven water treatment plants in Delhi have already shut down. The supply is expected to hit every part of Delhi except the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the Prime Minister's House, Army installations inside Delhi, hospitals and fire services.

Even if the gates of the canal are opened, it will take at least 24 hours to reach homes. Hence the decision has been taken to shut all schools and government offices in Delhi.

"All schools will be closed tomorrow, both government and private. The exams and admission process have also been postponed due to the water crisis," said Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia.

Officials at the Chandrawal water treatment plant told NDTV on the condition of anonymity that water was diverted fearing the bursting of canal gates and therefore water now reaching the plant is contaminated.