Jat quota stir: Historic water crisis in Delhi, only drinking water available, says water minister Kapil Mishra

NEW DELHI: Calling the crisis in Delhi “historic”, water minister Kapil Mishra on Sunday said except the southern and eastern parts all others would not get piped water supply on Monday morning, thanks to violent protests by the Jat community in Haryana. Reason: the gates of the Munak canal, which provides water to most parts of the Capital, remain closed.

“The water crisis is historic. Canal gates are still closed. We can only provide drinking water. Only information received by us is from TV channels, no official information has been provided by Haryana or central governments,” said Mishra while speaking with reporters on Sunday evening.

He said the Delhi government was “repeatedly trying to communicate” with the two governments to find out when will the supply resume, but without much success. “North, central and west Delhi have seen no water supply today (Sunday) evening. Delhi’s water is almost finished. Only two water treatment plants are operational. We will provide drinking water in 700 locations through tankers tomorrow (Monday),” he said.

While acknowledging that the “situation in Haryana is out of control”, Mishra resisted a political remark on the controversy. Except for the residences of the prime minister, President, Chief Justice of India, defence Installations, hospitals and emergency centres, most others will face cuts on Monday morning. “Centre’s ministers, Delhi chief minister, LG will get the same water as residents in Bawana, Narela, Kiradi,” said Mishra.