New Delhi: A group of Jats demanding reservation in higher education and government jobs blocked water supply to the city from Upper Ganga canal in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh creating the possibility of a huge water crisis in the national capital from Tuesday.
Members of the community led by local BKU and Lok Dal leaders held a panchayat (meeting) in support of their demand for quota at Muradnagar in Ghaziabad district and blocked water supply to two water treatment plants in Delhi which meet about 40 per cent of the city's total water requirements.
The agitating group closed water supply from the Upper Ganga Canal at Abupur from where water comes to Sonia Vihar and Bhagirathi Water Treatment plants in the city which cater to 40 per cent requirement of total water in Delhi, an official said.
"It is a very serious situation. The water supply will be affected in many parts of Delhi. The Chief Secretary is holding talks with officials in Uttar Pradesh to restore water supply," a senior official of the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) official said.
He said the two plants cater to 40 per cent of the total water requirement of the city, adding, "Now we are thinking of rationing of water to tide over the situation."
The Jats are protesting apparently in support of their demand for reservations in government jobs.
"The matter is being dealt at highest level. The UP authorities have also informed the central government about the situation," sources said.
Delhi Jal Board officials said South Delhi and West Delhi would be the worst affected because of the shut down.