Blurb: Six states sign Kishau MoU, advancing a Rs 15,000 crore multipurpose project expected to significantly strengthen Shekhawati’s water security, irrigation, drinking water access and regional development over the coming years.
Jaipur
The long-pending Kishau Multipurpose Project moved closer to implementation on Tuesday with six participating states signing a memorandum of understanding in New Delhi, in a move aimed at strengthening water security across North India.
The agreement was signed at a meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, with Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and the chief ministers of the other participating states signing the MoU in the presence of Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil.
The project, proposed on the Tons River along the Uttarakhand-Himachal Pradesh border, is estimated to cost around Rs 15,000 crore and will generate 660 MW of hydroelectric power. Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana are expected to benefit from the project.
For Rajasthan, the project could be significant for the water-scarce Shekhawati region, including Sikar, Churu and Jhunjhunu. Under the revised arrangement, part of Himachal Pradesh’s allocated water share will be made available to Rajasthan and Delhi, while participating states will contribute towards the power component cost linked to Himachal Pradesh.
The Centre will provide 90 per cent of the water component cost, with states contributing the remaining 10 per cent. The project has also been included among National Projects.
A proposed 124 MCM of Rajasthan’s allocated water will be conveyed to Churu through Haryana’s Hansi-Butana system using three underground pipelines. The supply is expected to strengthen drinking water availability, support irrigation and improve social and economic prospects across Shekhawati.
Construction, operation and maintenance will be handled by Kishau Corporation Limited.