A 30-Year Wait Ends: Permanent Solution for Shekhawati

The Chief Minister highlighted that this massive mega-project, estimated to cost around ₹34,102 crore, will act as a lifeline, particularly for the parched Shekhawati region (comprising Churu, Sikar, and Jhunjhunu) and other water-scarce areas of the state.

Key Social and Economic Benefits of the Project:

• Drinking Water Security: It will ensure the availability of clean and safe drinking water for millions of families across the targeted districts.
• Groundwater Conservation: The influx of canal water will significantly reduce the region’s heavy dependence on rapidly depleting groundwater levels, giving nature a chance to recharge.
• Accelerated Economic Growth: Increased water availability will create a favorable environment for industries, thereby attracting major investments to the state.
• Boost to Agriculture and Employment: The agricultural and animal husbandry sectors will receive a massive boost, generating new and diverse employment opportunities in both rural and urban areas.

The Triumph of a ‘Double Engine’ Government

Chief Minister Sharma credited this historic achievement to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the effective guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and the excellent coordination between the central and state governments.

He remarked that the “double-engine government” has once again proven that when public welfare is the supreme priority, even the most complex issues pending for three decades can be resolved amicably and positively. During the briefing, he also highly appreciated the technical guidance and administrative support provided by Union Minister of Jal Shakti, C.R. Patil.

Stepping Towards a Developed Rajasthan-2047

Aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat-2047’ (Developed India 2047), the Chief Minister emphasized that water security is a fundamental pillar of nation-building. He noted that water is not just the basis of life, but the most crucial resource for maintaining social and environmental balance.

He assured the people of the state that the Rajasthan government is fully committed to implementing this ambitious project on the ground in a time-bound manner and with the highest quality standards. Every phase of the project will undergo regular, high-level reviews to ensure that its benefits reach the common man at the earliest.

Conclusion: The Yamuna Water Agreement is set to emerge as a new current of development, prosperity, and happiness for Rajasthan in the coming years. This monumental investment of ₹34,102 crore will liberate future generations from the shackles of water scarcity, proving to be the cornerstone in building a self-reliant and water-secure Rajasthan.

₹34,102 Crore Project: 295 km Long Pipeline to be Laid

The estimated cost of this massive inter-state water project is approximately ₹34,102 crore. Under the agreement, a 295.5-kilometer-long underground pipeline will be laid from the Hathnikund Barrage in Haryana to the Hansiyawas reservoir in Rajasthan’s Churu district. The project encompasses the development of three underground pipelines, an inspection road, artificial reservoirs, and a modern water management system.

The Rajasthan government has already submitted the Detailed Project Report (DPR) to the Central Water Commission (CWC). Concurrently, the Haryana government has granted in-principle approval for the pipeline alignment. For the construction, operation, and maintenance of the project, a dedicated entity named the ‘Rajasthan Haryana Yamuna Water SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle)’ will be constituted.

An Excellent Example of Cooperative Federalism: Amit Shah

During the signing of the MoA, Union Home Minister Amit Shah described it as an outstanding example of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mantra of ‘Cooperative Federalism.’ He stated that this agreement provides a permanent resolution to the nearly three-decade-old drinking water problem shared by Rajasthan and Haryana. Shah emphasized that the agreement incorporates a scientifically rigorous monitoring mechanism for cost-sharing, water allocation, and maintenance, ensuring it remains a dispute-free model for decades to come.

Achievement Made Possible by the ‘Double Engine’ Government: CM Bhajanlal Sharma

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma expressed his profound gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for facilitating this historic milestone. He noted that despite the Upper Yamuna Basin Agreement in 1994, Rajasthan could not utilize its allocated share of 1,917 cusecs of water due to the lack of a proper conveyance system.

Attributing this success to the power of a “double-engine government,” CM Sharma remarked, “Double engine means taking decisions without delay and executing them without obstacles.” He highlighted that this pipeline would not only benefit Shekhawati but also provide drinking water to 10 locations in Haryana. Furthermore, the Hansiyawas reservoir will mutually benefit the residents of Haryana.

Haryana Will Provide Full Cooperation: Nayab Singh Saini

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini assured complete cooperation in the execution of this project. He stated that excess rainwater would be transported to Rajasthan through the pipeline, fulfilling the collective responsibility of ensuring access to clean water for every individual.

The Signatories: This historic MoA was formally signed by the Union Minister of Jal Shakti C.R. Patil, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. The Chief Secretaries and senior officials of both states were also present to witness the occasion.

Conclusion: The Yamuna Water Agreement has emerged as an ideal model for resolving inter-state water disputes and managing shared natural resources. Its realization will secure the drinking water future of Rajasthan’s arid Shekhawati region while simultaneously paving the way for the phased expansion of irrigation facilities.