Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma on 30 June called the long-pending Yamuna Water Project Agreement between Rajasthan and Haryana a 'golden chapter' in the state's water management history, saying the ₹34,102 crore initiative lays a durable foundation for the water security and prosperity of crores of residents. Addressing a press briefing at Jodhpur House in New Delhi, Sharma said the agreement — stalled for nearly three decades — had finally been realised through collective political will and coordinated governance.

What the Agreement Covers

The ₹34,102 crore Yamuna Water Project is designed to deliver a permanent solution to Rajasthan's chronic water deficit, with particular focus on the water-scarce Shekhawati belt. The project will supply safe drinking water to lakhs of families, reduce over-dependence on groundwater, and reinforce the state's long-term water conservation strategy. Officials indicated the initiative will also support agriculture, animal husbandry, industrial growth, and tourism — sectors that have historically been constrained by water scarcity in the region.

What the Government Said

Chief Minister Sharma attributed the breakthrough to the 'visionary leadership' of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the 'effective guidance' of Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, and the technical and administrative support of Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil. He said Shah's proactive facilitation of dialogue between Rajasthan and Haryana was critical in arriving at a consensus on the complex inter-state water-sharing issue. Sharma framed the agreement as a demonstration of the 'double-engine government' model, arguing that Centre-state alignment had made it possible to resolve a dispute that had remained unresolved for three decades.

Why It Matters for Rajasthan

Water security sits at the centre of India's Viksit Bharat 2047 agenda, and Rajasthan — one of the country's most arid states — has long been among the most vulnerable. The Shekhawati region, in particular, has faced acute groundwater depletion and drinking water shortages for years. By securing a guaranteed Yamuna water allocation, the state aims to shift from crisis management to planned water governance. Sharma said improved water availability would create conditions for fresh industrial investment, revitalise farm output, and meaningfully raise living standards in both rural and urban pockets of the state.

Execution and Accountability

The Chief Minister reaffirmed the state government's commitment to the timely and quality execution of every phase of the project, stating that close monitoring mechanisms would be put in place to ensure benefits reach citizens at the earliest. He described the project as not merely an infrastructure initiative but a 'historic investment' in Rajasthan's future — one that would, in his words, usher in a new era of development, prosperity, and well-being for millions. Detailed implementation timelines and phased disbursement schedules are yet to be publicly released.