In a significant step towards resolving the long-standing inter-state water disputes, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Saini and his Rajas- than counterpart Bhajan Lal Sharma held a detailed telephonic conversation on Tuesday, focusing on the critical issues of water drainage in Bhiwadi and the historic Yamuna water- sharing agreement.
According to officials privy to the information, the dialogue, marked by a spirit of cooperation, has raised hopes for a perma- nent solution to problems that have plagued industrial and residential areas in both states, particularly during the monsoon season.
The discussion centered on the persistent waterlog- ging problem in Bhiwadi, a major industrial hub in Rajasthan, where the natural topography channels rainwater towards Haryana, causing a severe flooding in both industrial and resi- dential zones.
The leaders agreed to collaborate on technical and administra- tive measures to address this issue, with a commit- ment to ensuring the drain- age of only treated indus- trial water, which will be strictly monitored. A key outcome of the talks was the decision to prepare a joint Detailed Project Report (DPR) to formalise solutions for both the Bhi- wadi drainage issue and the Yamuna water-sharing dispute.
The DPR, to be developed collaboratively by both states, will lay the groundwork for action- able steps to resolve these challenges. Additionally, a ground alignment survey for a proposed pipeline to facilitate water drainage is set to commence by the end of June 2025, marking a concrete move toward ensuring water security for both states, revealed the of- ficials. This initiative is expected to mitigate the severe water- logging that has long trou- bled Bhiwadi’s industries and residents, as well as address Haryana’s concerns about managing excess water flow.
The Yamuna water-sharing agreement, a decades-old point of contention, was also a focal point of the conversation. Both Chief Ministers expressed satisfaction with the progress made toward a mutually agreeable framework, with plans to finalize the DPR to ensure equitable water distribution. This development builds on earlier efforts, such as the February 2024 agreement facilitated by the Union Jal Shakti Ministry, which aimed to address water distribution to Rajasthan’s Shekhawati region, including Sikar, Churu, and Jhunjhunu
