This agreement shows that if the states move forward in the spirit of cooperative federalism, even a problem that has persisted for three decades can be easily resolved.
The three pipelines have a diameter of more than 3.6 meters and will provide drinking water to the people of Rajasthan and Haryana.
He said that this agreement is an excellent example of a win-win situation for both countries. The agreement carefully addressed financial responsibilities, cost sharing, water distribution, water release protocols and maintenance arrangements.
This scientific, comprehensive agreement also nicely includes operation and maintenance of infrastructure, monitoring systems, transparency measures and a robust dispute resolution mechanism.
He said that the framework of this agreement, prepared by Haryana, Rajasthan, and especially the Central Water Commission (CWC), will stand as a dispute-free agreement for many decades to come.
Following this agreement, drinking water will be supplied to Sikar, Churu and Jhunjhunu districts in Rajasthan as well as Bhiwani and Fatehabad areas in Haryana.
Shah said that the water that was wasted will now quench people’s thirst and be stored in large ponds to recharge the groundwater table.
Addressing the gathering, Haryana CM Saini said that a series of meetings had been held between Haryana and Rajasthan under the chairmanship of Union Minister Jal Shakti CR Patil regarding the Yamuna Water Project.
According to the MoU signed, Rajasthan will use the excess rainwater available in Haryana between July and October through a dedicated pipeline for drinking water purposes.
The agreement marks an important step forward in the implementation of the project.
He said that under the project, a pipeline would be laid from Hathnikund Barrage in Rajasthan to facilitate utilization of surplus water. Saini said it is a matter of great satisfaction, as providing water supply to those in need is a shared responsibility.
He assured full cooperation from Haryana and stated that no obstacle will be allowed to stand in the way of the implementation of the project.
