Nearly three decades after Rajasthan was allocated a share of Yamuna waters under the 1994 Memorandum of Understanding on the sharing of utilizable surface waters of the Upper Yamuna Basin, the state has moved a step closer to utilizing that allocation. The implementation agreement signed between Rajasthan and Haryana on June 29, 2026 paves the way for the long-awaited Yamuna Water Project, which aims to improve drinking water access across the water-scarce Shekhawati region.
The agreement was signed in New Delhi in the presence of Hon’ble Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, Rajasthan Chief Minister Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma, Haryana Chief Minister Shri Nayab Singh Saini, and Union Jal Shakti Minister Shri C.R. Patil. According to the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the agreement resolves a long-pending interstate issue by establishing a framework for the construction and implementation of the Yamuna Water Project through co-ordinated efforts between the Centre and the two states.
The project seeks to convey Rajasthan’s allocated share of Yamuna waters from the Western Yamuna Canal through an underground pipeline system. As per the agreement, around 580 million cubic metres (MCM) of water will be supplied between July and October each year through three underground pipelines. The project is expected to provide drinking water to the districts of Sikar, Jhunjhunu, and Churu in Rajasthan, while Bhiwani and Fatehabad in Haryana will also benefit.
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According to Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma, the project will involve an underground pipeline stretching approximately 295 kilometres with a carrying capacity of around 1,917 cusecs. Once completed, it is expected to benefit nearly 7.5 million people across the Shekhawati region.
For Rajasthan, the project holds particular significance as the Shekhawati region has long faced drinking water shortages due to declining groundwater levels, erratic rainfall, and fluoride contamination in several areas. The availability of a reliable surface water source is expected to reduce dependence on groundwater while strengthening long-term water security in the region.
Although Rajasthan’s share of Yamuna waters was allocated under the 1994 agreement, utilizing that share required an implementation mechanism for conveying water through Haryana. Over the years, the state prepared feasibility studies and detailed project reports, while technical consultations involving the Central Water Commission and both state governments continued to address issues related to water conveyance and project execution. The June 2026 agreement marks a significant breakthrough by providing a mutually agreed framework for implementation.
Speaking after the agreement was signed, Hon’ble Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah stated that the project would help address drinking water challenges in both Rajasthan and Haryana while enabling better utilization of water that previously flowed unused during the monsoon months. He added that the project would also support groundwater recharge by facilitating the storage of water in reservoirs and ponds.
Beyond improving drinking water access, the agreement outlines responsibilities related to infrastructure development, cost sharing, operations, maintenance, monitoring, and dispute resolution, providing a structured roadmap for implementing the project.
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While the agreement marks a major milestone, the project will now move into the execution phase. Construction of the underground pipeline network, associated infrastructure, statutory clearances, and distribution systems will determine how quickly the anticipated benefits reach communities across Shekhawati.
If implemented as planned, the Yamuna Water Project could become one of Rajasthan’s most significant drinking water infrastructure initiatives in recent decades. More importantly, it would finally enable the state to utilize its allocated share of Yamuna waters after nearly 30 years, offering renewed hope for improved water security across one of Rajasthan’s most water-stressed regions.
