Haryana and Rajasthan Sign MoU to Implement Upper Yamuna River Board Agreement

Haryana and Rajasthan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi on 29 June 2026 to implement the 1994 Upper Yamuna River Board (UYRB) Agreement. The MoU aims to facilitate the allocation and transfer of Yamuna River water between the basin states under the Upper Yamuna framework.

Key Highlights

¨     The MoU provides a framework for implementing the provisions of the 1994 Upper Yamuna River Board Agreement.

¨     It aims to ensure the allocation and transfer of Yamuna River water between Haryana and Rajasthan in accordance with the agreed water-sharing arrangement.

¨     The agreement strengthens inter-state cooperation and coordination in water resource management.

¨     It promotes the equitable, efficient, and sustainable use of water resources in the Upper Yamuna Basin.

¨     The arrangement is expected to improve water availability for irrigation, drinking water supply, and other developmental needs.

¨     It also supports the reduction of inter-state water disputes through a cooperative basin management approach.

Yamuna River is a major tributary of the Ganga river system in North India.The Upper Yamuna River Board was constituted to manage water allocation among the basin states.Underground pipelines are used in water transfer projects to minimize losses occurring through open channels.Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) are commonly used in inter-state administrative arrangements in India.

Upper Yamuna River Board (UYRB)

¨     The Upper Yamuna River Board (UYRB) was established in 1995 following the 1994 Upper Yamuna Water Sharing Agreement.

¨     It is responsible for regulating, monitoring, and implementing the allocation of water from the Upper Yamuna among the participating states.

¨     The basin states include Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, and Uttarakhand (after its creation in 2000).

¨     The Board functions under the Ministry of Jal Shakti and facilitates coordination among the participating states on water-sharing issues.

Significance

¨     Strengthens cooperative federalism in inter-state water governance.

¨     Ensures transparent and equitable distribution of Yamuna River water.

¨     Promotes integrated and sustainable water resource management.

¨     Supports agricultural productivity, drinking water security, and regional development.

¨     Contributes to reducing inter-state water disputes through institutional cooperation.