Jaipur: Rajasthan Tuesday moved a step closer to securing its long-pending share of Yamuna waters, with Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma meeting Union Jal Shakti minister C R Patil and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini to finalise key provisions of the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for the ambitious Yamuna Water Project. The meeting focused on expediting implementation of the project, reviewing operational modalities and finalising pending provisions of the MoA required for execution. The project seeks to bring Rajasthan’s share of Yamuna water to the drought-prone Shekhawati region through a 265-km underground pipeline network extending from Haryana’s Hathnikund Barrage to Hansiyawas in Churu district and further to parts of Churu, Jhunjhunu and Sikar. Under the 1994 Yamuna Water Agreement, Rajasthan is entitled to 10.4% of Yamuna waters, amounting to 577 million cubic metres (MCM) annually, or nearly 1,917 cusecs during the monsoon period, after Haryana and Delhi utilise their allocated shares. Tuesday’s discussions built on the agreement signed between Rajasthan and Haryana on Feb 17, 2024, under which both states agreed to jointly prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for transporting Rajasthan’s share of water through a dedicated underground pipeline network. Officials said the pipeline-based system would minimise transmission losses and ensure more efficient distribution compared to conventional canal systems. Union minister Patil said the project was being pursued with a long-term vision under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “Water will be supplied through pipelines instead of the conventional canal system, ensuring better conservation and wider distribution,” he said. Patil also said issues related to the multi-state Kishau Dam project had largely been resolved and a separate MoA for the project was likely to be signed soon. Describing the project as vital for Rajasthan, Sharma said it would significantly boost the socio-economic development of the Shekhawati region. “The state govt is committed to implementing the project at the earliest with the support of the Centre and Haryana govt,” he said. He added that Rajasthan would soon receive its long-pending share of Yamuna water, benefiting farmers, industries and households while strengthening the state’s water security. The state govt has earmarked Rs 32,000 crore for the project in the 2026-27 budget. Saini said projects such as Renuka, Lakhwar and Kishau would benefit Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhi. Senior officials from the Centre and both state govts attended the meeting.
