Haryana and Rajasthan have reached a consensus on supplying Rajasthan its allocated share of water under the 1994 Upper Yamuna River Board (UYRB) agreement, with both states deciding to formalise the arrangement through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) scheduled to be signed next week.
The understanding was reached during a meeting between Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma held in New Delhi under the chairmanship of Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Patil. Senior officials from both state governments and the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti were also present.
According to officials, the meeting focused on issues related to water resources, irrigation, and drinking water supply. After detailed deliberations, the two sides agreed that Rajasthan would receive its share of water as provided under the 1994 agreement through a dedicated pipeline-based arrangement.
Speaking after the meeting, Saini said Haryana fully recognises Rajasthan’s entitlement under the water-sharing pact and remains committed to ensuring the supply of the allocated quantity. He stressed that effective coordination among states is essential for sustainable management of water resources and for addressing growing water needs across the region.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma said his state was seeking only the quantity of water earmarked for it under the agreement. He noted that better utilisation of surplus monsoon flows could significantly help address drinking water shortages in large parts of Rajasthan and provide long-term relief to affected areas.
The meeting also reviewed progress on the proposed Renuka, Kishau, and Lakhwar dam projects. Saini described the projects as crucial for northern India, saying they would strengthen water security, expand irrigation capacity, and improve drinking water availability in the coming years. He said efforts would be intensified to expedite the implementation of the projects through greater coordination among participating states.
During the discussions, the Haryana Chief Minister also raised concerns regarding polluted water entering the Ghaggar river system. He said measures were being planned to establish dedicated treatment facilities so that untreated wastewater does not flow into the river, thereby helping protect water quality and the environment.
Union Minister C. R. Patil emphasised the need for closer inter-state cooperation on water conservation and resource management. He directed officials to take necessary follow-up action and ensure timely progress on decisions taken during the meeting.
Among those present were Haryana Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi, Additional Chief Secretary (Irrigation and Water Resources) Anurag Agarwal, senior Rajasthan government officials, and representatives of the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti.