Delhi, Haryana to meet soon to discuss water sharing

The Yamuna basin’s riparian states—Delhi and Haryana included—are set to meet to decide on a water sharing formula, even as the Lakhwar project on upstream Yamuna has reached the construction stage after getting all necessary clearances, Nivedita Khandekar reports.

The Yamuna basin’s riparian states—Delhi and Haryana included—are set to meet to decide on a water sharing formula, even as the Lakhwar project on upstream Yamuna has reached the construction stage after getting all necessary clearances.

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The Lakhwar project (for storage of excess monsoon water) is in Uttarakhand. The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) deems it essential in order to get additional water for the Capital.

For years, the DJB has been hoping to get additional water from three storage projects —Renuka, Kishau and Lakhwar-Vyasi — all upstream to reduce the demand-supply gap in Delhi.

The Upper Yamuna Review Committee, a supervisory body for the Upper Yamuna River Board, of the Ministry of Water Resources will be meeting for deciding on the water sharing agreement for Lakhwar storage amongst the riparian states.

The meeting — slated for April 30 earlier — has been postponed to May 15. “Some states had expressed unwillingness to attend the same on April 30. So, a new date was decided,” said a source in the committee.

Other issues including that of the Munak Canal and Rajasthan’s share would also be discussed during the meeting.