Jat agitation hits Delhi, Kejriwal government moves SC over water crisis

New Delhi: The Jat stir in Haryana has hit the national capital as well. Water supply to the capital has been affected as the protesters have blocked the Munak canal which provides water to Delhi.

Delhi Government on Saturday moved the Supreme Court seeking relief. "Delhi government moves SC on water crisis. Petition accepted. Likely to be heard on Sunday morning(sic)," Delhi Water Minister Kapil Mishra tweeted.

Reacting to the problem, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted, "Delhi facing unprecedented water crisis. Soon, water will have to be rationed. Shouldn't scarcity be equally shared between public n VIPs?"

Earlier, Delhi Government's senior standing counsel Rahul Mehra said a petition is being moved before the apex court, seeking urgent hearing on the issue and a plea is being made that the Centre should deploy army to ensure supply of water from Munak Canal.

"Water should be supplied immediately to Delhi as it is lifeline of people," he said, adding all water plants in Delhi are shut as the protesters have "taken over" the canal.

Mehra said the Lutyen's zone and several other areas are not getting water. "The army should ensure that Delhi gets water immediately," he said.

Delhi is staring at huge water shortage in next one or two days with 60 per cent of water supply affected due to the Jat stir.

There is a water crisis situation in Delhi. The water that is reserved can be used tomorrow. After that, it will be difficult. Kapil (Mishra) has been working on this for quite some time. We expect a positive solution shortly," Sisodia told reporters.

"I have conducted a meeting with chief engineers and come out with an emergency plan. For the first time in our history, our seven plants are closed. We were preparing to ration water, so tomorrow we will give the supply," Mishra said.