Delhi schools to shut on Monday due to water crisis

New Delhi, Feb 21  Schools in the national capital will remain closed on Monday in view of the water crisis here following the closure of the Munak Canal which supplies water to Delhi, a minister said on Sunday.

The closure of the Munak Canal followed vandalisation of canal works by Jat agitators pressing for reservation for the community

"Have directed all schools to be closed tomorrow due to water crisis," Education Minister Manish Sisodia tweeted.

"No water available now. Still no hope to get it."

The government also announced that water would be rationed amongst all residents equally -- barring a few VIPs.

"Barring president, prime minister, Chief Justice of India, defence installations, hospitals, fire brigade, water to be equally rationed amongst all," Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said.

"Please save water," Kejriwal tweeted.

In the wake of the Munak Canal -- which supplies water to south Delhi -- being shut down after vandalisation by Jat protestors, the Delhi government had said water supply in the capital may be hit, adding that it has taken certain measures to restore it.

"Extraordinary situation. First time seven plants closed down. No piped water supply possible after tomorrow morning in 60 percent city, including NDMC," Delhi's Water Minister Kapil Mishra had said on Saturday.