SYLLABUS

GS-2: Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure; Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions. 

Context: Haryana and Rajasthan signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to operationalise the long-pending 1994 Upper Yamuna Water Sharing Agreement, enabling Rajasthan to receive its allocated share of Yamuna water through dedicated infrastructure after nearly 32 years.

Key Highlights of the Agreement

• Under the agreement, approximately 580 million Cubic Metres (MCM) of surplus Yamuna water available during the monsoon season (July–October) will be supplied annually to Rajasthan. 

• Water will be released from the Hathnikund Barrage (Haryana) and conveyed through three underground pipelines (over 3.6 m in diameter) routed along the Western Yamuna Canal System.

• Around 300 km of underground pipeline infrastructure will be constructed between Hathnikund Barrage and Rajasthan at an estimated cost of ₹3,900 crore. 

• The project will ensure a reliable drinking water supply to the water-stressed districts of Churu, Sikar and Jhunjhunu (Shekhawati region) in Rajasthan, besides benefiting Bhiwani and Fatehabad districts of Haryana. 

• The agreement is also expected to accelerate the implementation of the Renuka, Kishau and Lakhwar Multipurpose Dam Projects envisaged under the 1994 Upper Yamuna Water Sharing Agreement.

About the 1994 Upper Yamuna Water Sharing Agreement

• The Upper Yamuna Water Sharing Agreement was signed on 12 May 1994 for the allocation of the utilisable surface waters of the Upper Yamuna Basin among the basin States. 

• The agreement was signed by the Governments of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi. 

• Following the creation of Uttarakhand in 2000, it also became a party to the agreement. 

• Objectives of the Agreement:

• To ensure equitable sharing of the utilisable surface waters of the Upper Yamuna Basin. 
• To establish a scientific mechanism for regulating seasonal water releases. 
• To facilitate coordinated development of storage reservoirs and water infrastructure. 
• To improve drinking water supply, irrigation and overall basin management through inter-State cooperation. 

Reasons Behind the 32-Year Delay

• Lack of Water Conveyance Infrastructure: No dedicated canal or underground pipeline existed to transport Rajasthan's allocated Yamuna water from the Hathnikund Barrage.

• Delay in Project Planning: Preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) and finalisation of the underground pipeline design were significantly delayed.

• Inter-State Administrative Differences: Haryana and Rajasthan took years to reach consensus on cost sharing, financial responsibilities, land acquisition, water release protocols, operation and maintenance, and monitoring arrangements.

• Delay in Upstream Dam Projects: The slow implementation of the Renuka, Kishau, and Lakhwar Dam projects delayed augmentation of water availability in the Upper Yamuna Basin.

• Prolonged Administrative Processes: Extended inter-governmental consultations and administrative delays postponed the implementation of the 1994 agreement.

Significance of the Agreement

• Long-Pending Implementation of the 1994 Agreement: Operationalises a water-sharing arrangement that remained pending for nearly 32 years, enabling Rajasthan to utilise its allocated share of Yamuna waters. 

• Strengthening Water Security: Provides a long-term solution to the drinking water needs of the water-stressed Shekhawati region (Churu, Sikar and Jhunjhunu) while also benefiting parts of Haryana. 

• Efficient Utilisation of Monsoon Surplus: Enables productive use of surplus monsoon flows that previously went downstream unused, while also supporting groundwater recharge through storage in ponds. 

• Boost to Cooperative Federalism: Demonstrates successful resolution of a long-pending inter-State water issue through dialogue and consensus, strengthening cooperative federalism and institutional coordination. 

• Catalysing Basin Infrastructure Development: Accelerates the implementation of the Renuka, Kishau and Lakhwar Multipurpose Dam Projects, enhancing water storage, improving basin management, and ensuring long-term water availability.