A significant decision regarding the allocation of Yamuna water for Rajasthan may be made today at the crucial Upper Yamuna Review Committee meeting in Noida. In the meeting, chaired by Union Minister of Jal Shakti C.R. Patil, Rajasthan will demand the availability of its share of water and seek cooperation from the central government for its pending projects.
Rajasthan: A crucial meeting of the Upper Yamuna Review Committee is being held today in Noida, chaired by Union Minister of Jal Shakti C.R. Patil. Rajasthan's Water Resources Minister Suresh Singh Rawat, Chief Engineer Bhuvan Bhaskar, and other senior officials are participating. Representatives from Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh will also be present at this meeting. The primary request of the Rajasthan government is to accelerate efforts to bring water from the Hathnikund Barrage.
For this, there will be a demand for financial assistance from the central government by granting national project status to the Renukaji, Lakhwar-Vyasi, and Kishau dam projects. Emphasis will also be placed on ensuring the timely availability of the state's allocated share under the Yamuna Water Agreement. This meeting could pave the way for important decisions related to water availability for Rajasthan.
Efforts to Quench Shekhawati's Thirst Intensify
The Rajasthan government is now proceeding with full seriousness regarding the Yamuna Water Project. Recognizing the drinking water problem in the Shekhawati region, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has given it top priority and instructed all departments to work quickly. The government has immediately sanctioned Rs 95 crore as the state's share in the Renukaji, Lakhwar-Vyasi, and Kishau dam projects. Officials believe that with the removal of financial obstacles, further processes will now accelerate.
Three Dam Projects Underway
The Renukaji dam in Himachal Pradesh, and the Lakhwar-Vyasi and Kishau dams in Uttarakhand, are under construction in the upper catchment area of the Yamuna. These dams will play a crucial role in providing water throughout the year to six states, including Rajasthan. Excess rainwater will be stored and released in a controlled manner when needed.
The total cost of these three dams is Rs 11,320.46 crore, with Rajasthan's share fixed at Rs 215.66 crore. The state government has prepared a blueprint to complete the project in two phases. In the first phase, drinking water supply will commence in Churu, Jhunjhunu, and Sikar districts.
Shekhawati's Thirst to be Quenched Soon
In the second phase, irrigation facilities will be provided to 35,000 hectares in Churu district and 70,000 hectares in Jhunjhunu district. This will provide clean water to millions of people in the Shekhawati region and offer permanent irrigation solutions to farmers.
Under the Yamuna agreement, Rajasthan is allocated 0.068 MAF of water annually. Experts believe that after the construction of all three dams, this water will be available throughout the year, whereas currently, it is only possible during the monsoon season. If positive assurances are received in the meeting, DPR approval and the tendering process could begin in the next few months. If the project is completed on time, Shekhawati's thirst will be quenched in 4-5 years.
