New Delhi, 29 June (H.S.): Haryana and Rajasthan on Monday signed a landmark agreement to implement the Yamuna Jal Pariyojna, marking a significant step towards operationalising the long-pending 1994 Upper Yamuna River Board (UYRB) water-sharing arrangement. The Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was signed in the presence of Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah.

The signing ceremony was attended by Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, senior officials from both state governments, and representatives of the Union Government.

The agreement aims to facilitate the supply of Rajasthan's allocated share of Yamuna river water by developing the necessary infrastructure in line with the 1994 Upper Yamuna River Board agreement. The project is expected to improve the availability of drinking water and strengthen irrigation facilities, particularly in water-scarce districts of Rajasthan.

Officials said the implementation framework follows discussions held earlier this month between the Centre and the two state governments. Haryana reaffirmed its commitment to providing Rajasthan with its allocated share of Yamuna water, while Rajasthan reiterated that it was seeking only the quantity allotted under the existing agreement.

The Yamuna Jal Pariyojna is also expected to complement major regional water infrastructure projects, including the Renuka, Kishau and Lakhwar dam projects. These projects are considered vital for improving water availability, strengthening river basin management, and enhancing long-term water security across northern India.

Speaking on the occasion on Monday, the leaders described the agreement as an important milestone in cooperative federalism and inter-state coordination. They said the pact would help resolve a long-pending issue through consensus while ensuring more efficient utilisation of Yamuna waters for the benefit of both Haryana and Rajasthan.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar