Kishau Dam Project: Himachal Pradesh and Five States to Sign MoU With Centre

Why in News?

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is likely to hold a meeting with the Chief Ministers of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi on September 15, 2026, regarding the long-pending Kishau Multipurpose Dam Project.

The meeting will discuss the implementation of the project and the proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) among the six participating states. The project is also expected to be placed before the Union Cabinet for approval soon.

Important Points

• The project will support irrigation, hydropower generation and drinking water supply. 
• The Centre is proposed to bear 90% of the cost of the water component. 
• The remaining 10% cost will be shared by the six states. 
• Himachal Pradesh’s share of water is proposed to be allocated to Delhi and Rajasthan. 
• The project is expected to support Yamuna rejuvenation by improving water flow and availability. 
• The six states are expected to sign an MoU with the Centre for project implementation. 
• The project is an important example of Centre-State cooperation in water management.

What is the Kishau Multipurpose Dam Project?

The Kishau Multipurpose Dam Project is an under-construction multipurpose water storage and hydroelectric project on the Tons River, a major tributary of the Yamuna.

The project is designed to serve multiple purposes, including:

• Water storage and regulation 
• Irrigation 
• Hydroelectric power generation 
• Augmentation of drinking water supply 
• Increasing the flow of water in the Yamuna River 

The project is considered important for improving water availability in the Yamuna basin and supporting the rejuvenation of the river.

Six States Involved in the Project

The project involves six states:

1. Himachal Pradesh 
2. Uttarakhand 
3. Uttar Pradesh 
4. Haryana 
5. Rajasthan 
6. Delhi 

These states are expected to sign an MoU for the implementation of the project.

What Was Decided in the June 2026 Meeting?

• A meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah was held on June 16, 2026, at the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• During the meeting, the six states reached a consensus on the long-pending project and agreed to move forward with an MoU.

The major decisions included:

Central Government Assistance:

• The Centre will bear 90% of the cost of the water component of the project as Central assistance.

State Contribution:

• The remaining 10% cost will be shared by the six participating states.

Water Allocation:

• A consensus was reached to allocate Himachal Pradesh's share of water to Delhi and Rajasthan.
• In return, the cost of Himachal Pradesh's share of the power component will be shared by the participating states.

Importance of the Kishau Dam Project

1. Yamuna Rejuvenation

The project is expected to increase the flow of water in the Yamuna and contribute to efforts to improve the river's water quality.

2. Irrigation

The stored water can support irrigation and improve water availability for agriculture in the participating states.

3. Hydroelectric Power

The project will generate hydroelectric power and contribute to the region's energy requirements.

4. Drinking Water Supply

The reservoir will help augment drinking water supplies for areas facing increasing water demand.

5. Inter-State Water Cooperation

The project provides a framework for cooperation among six states over water sharing, financing and power generation.

Key Financial Arrangement

• The proposed arrangement gives the Central Government a major financial role, with 90% of the water component's cost to be provided as Central assistance. The remaining 10% will be shared by the six states.
• This arrangement is aimed at resolving financial and inter-state issues that have contributed to delays in the project.

Challenges

Despite the recent consensus, the project may face several challenges:

• Inter-state water-sharing issues 
• Financial and cost-sharing concerns 
• Coordination among six states 
• Environmental and ecological concerns 
• Rehabilitation and resettlement-related issues 
• Delays in obtaining necessary approvals 

Way Forward

• Effective implementation will require strong coordination between the Centre and participating states. A clear framework for water allocation, cost sharing and power distribution should be finalised through the proposed MoU.
• Environmental safeguards, rehabilitation measures and timely statutory approvals should also be ensured. Regular monitoring can help prevent further delays in the project.

Conclusion

The proposed agreement on the Kishau Multipurpose Dam Project represents an important step towards resolving a long-pending inter-state water and infrastructure issue. With financial support from the Centre and cooperation among six states, the project can contribute to water security, hydropower generation, irrigation and the rejuvenation of the Yamuna River.

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