Rajasthan Reviews Lakhwar Dam Project in Uttarakhand; Push to Bring Yamuna Water to Shekhawati

Jaipur, May 2026 : Water Resources Minister Shri Suresh Singh Rawat on Tuesday inspected the under-construction Lakhwar Dam project in Uttarakhand and reviewed the ongoing construction work, tunnel development, and water storage capacity under the Yamuna water agreement.

He also held a detailed meeting with officials from Uttarakhand and Rajasthan governments and reviewed the current status of the Lakhwar project along with the water benefits expected for Rajasthan.

The Minister directed that all works must be completed with quality, within stipulated timelines, and strictly following safety standards. He said the state government remains committed to bringing Yamuna water to the Shekhawati region.

He further stated that out of Rajasthan’s share of ₹107 crore for the project, about ₹53 crore has already been paid to the Uttarakhand government as per demand.

The Lakhwar project, being constructed on the Yamuna River upstream of Tajewala Headworks, is a national-level scheme with a total storage capacity of 331 MCM. Rajasthan is expected to receive about 30.91 MCM of water, which will significantly benefit the Shekhawati region. The central government is providing 90% assistance for the water component of the project.

The Minister said that once these projects are completed, water storage capacity in the Yamuna basin will increase, ensuring a stable supply of drinking and irrigation water for Rajasthan. He instructed officials to maintain continuous coordination on technical and administrative matters and ensure effective representation of state interests.

He also informed that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) under the Yamuna water agreement has been completed, and ₹32,000 crore has been allocated in the 2026–27 state budget for bringing Yamuna water to Shekhawati.

On the Renuka Dam project in Himachal Pradesh, he said Rajasthan has already paid its full share of ₹108 crore. The project has a storage capacity of 498 MCM, of which Rajasthan will receive 46.50 MCM of water.

He further said that the Kishau Dam project on the Tons River, jointly developed by Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, has an estimated capacity of 1324 MCM, with Rajasthan allocated 123.64 MCM.

Highlighting the Yamuna water distribution system, the Minister said that Rajasthan has a 9.338% share under the 1994 Yamuna Water Agreement, and major storage projects like Lakhwar, Renuka, and Kishau were conceptualised for optimal utilisation of basin water resources. The Hathnikund Barrage was described as a key distribution point for allocating water among states.

During the inspection, project officials presented detailed reports on dam construction, tunnel works, water storage planning, environmental compliance, and overall progress. Senior departmental officers, technical experts, project authorities, and representatives of implementing agencies were also present.