Dehradun: A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the construction of Lakhwar-Byasi multi-purpose project between six states was signed at National Media Centre, New Delhi. The Lakhwar-Byasi multi-purpose project to be built in Upper Yamuna basin area at a cost of Rs. 3966.51 crore was signed in the presence of Union Minister for Central Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Road Transport and Highways and Shipping Mr. Nitin Gadkari between Uttarakhand Chief Minister Mr. Trivendra Singh Rawat, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Rajasthan Chief Minister Mrs. Vasundhara Raje, Harayan Chief Minister Mr. Manohar Lal Khattar, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Mr. Jairam Thakur and Delhi Chief Minister Mr. Arvind kejriwal.
Under Lakhwar project, a 204 meter high concrete dam will be built on Yamuna river at Lohari village in Dehradun district. The dam will have water carrying capacity of 330.66 MCM. This will help irrigate 33,780 hectares of land. Besides it will also provide 78.83 MCM water for domestic and industrial purposes for the six states of Yamuna basin area. The project will generate 300 MW of power. The Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam will undertake the construction of the project.
Out of total cost of Rs.3966.51 crore of the project, Uttarakhand will bear the cost of Rs.1388.28 crore for power production. Uttarakhand will have full use of the power produced after the completion of the project. The central government will bear the cost of Rs. 2320.41 crore out of total of Rs. 2578.23 crore for irrigation and drinking water facilities which is 90 per cent of the total cost while the remaining ten percent cost will be distributed amongst six states. The Haryana will pay Rs.123.29 crore, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand Rs.86.75 crore each, Rajasthan Rs. 24.08 crore, Delhi Rs.15.58 crore and Himachal Pradesh Rs. 8.13 crore.
The water distribution from Lakhwar project between the six states of Yamuna basin will be done as per the condition of agreement signed between these states on May 12,1994. The Lakhwar dam water reservoir will be regulated as per UYRB.
Besides Lakhwar multipurpose project, Kisau and Renukaji projects will also be built in upper Yamuna area. For Kisau project, a 236 meter high concrete dam will be built on Tons river, a tributary of Yamuna in Dehradun district. For Renukaji project, a 148 meter high dam will be built on Giri river, another tributary of Yamuna in Sirmaur district in Himachal Pradesh.
Expressing happiness,Uttarakhand Chief Minister Mr. Trivendra Singh Rawat said that Lakhwar is a national project and will benefit six partner states. The project will also help Uttarakhand to fulfil its’ power needs.
