NEW DELHI — Ending a three-decade-long stalemate over river water sharing, the state governments of Haryana and Rajasthan on Monday signed a landmark Memorandum of Agreement to operationalise water allocation under the 1994 Upper Yamuna River Board agreement. The historic accord, formalised at a high-level meeting in the national capital, paves the way for the execution of a 34,102 crore rupee infrastructure project designed to address severe drinking water scarcity in northern India.
The agreement was signed under the chairmanship of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and in the presence of Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, and Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma. Under the new framework, Rajasthan will finally utilise its allocated share of surplus monsoon rainwater from Haryana between July and October. The water will be channelled from the Hathnikund Barrage in Haryana to the water-stressed Shekhawati region of Rajasthan, including the Churu, Sikar, and Jhunjhunu districts, via a dedicated underground pipeline network spanning nearly 300 kilometres.
Speaking on the occasion, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini stated that ensuring access to drinking water for those in need is a shared humanitarian responsibility. Saini noted that the agreement was finalised after extensive technical deliberations and assured full cooperation from his state administration, promising that no obstacles would be allowed to hinder the pipeline’s construction. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma described the accord as a monumental milestone that reflects the true spirit of cooperative federalism, adding that the project aligns with the national vision of securing long-term water safety for future generations. The inter-state project is also expected to accelerate progress on the long-delayed Renuka, Kishau, and Lakhwar dam projects to strengthen the region’s overall water management.
