Kishau Multipurpose Dam Project: A Landmark in Cooperative Federalism
Key Facts
- Location: Tons River, longest Himalayan tributary of the Yamuna
- States Involved: Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan
- Project Components: Hydropower generation, irrigation, and drinking water supply
- Funding Structure:
- Central Government: 90% of water component cost as Central Assistance
- Remaining 10% shared by six participating states
- Water Allocation: Himachal Pradesh's water share allocated to Delhi and Rajasthan, in return for sharing HP's power component cost
About the Tons River
- Origin: Bandarpunch massif at 6,315 meters altitude
- Course: Flows approximately 150 km through:
- Uttarkashi and Dehradun (Uttarakhand)
- Sirmaur (Himachal Pradesh)
- Confluence: Meets the Yamuna near Kalsi in Dehradun district
- Tributaries: Pabar, Sainj, Nira, Har ki Dun Gad, and Ruinsara Gad
- Physiography: Rugged Himalayan terrain with steep slopes, V-shaped valleys, and glaciated catchments
- Geopolitical Significance: Forms natural boundary between Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh in the Jaunsar region
Significance for India
- Cleaner Yamuna Flow: Project expected to ensure increased and cleaner flow in the Yamuna
- Drinking Water Security: Supports drinking water supply to Delhi
- Agricultural Development: Meets irrigation needs of participating states
- Renewable Energy: Hydropower generation contributing to clean energy targets
- Cooperative Federalism: Demonstrates successful inter-state cooperation in water resource management
Constitutional and Legal Framework
- Article 262: Deals with adjudication of interstate river water disputes
- Inter-State Water Disputes Act, 1956: Provides mechanism for resolving water sharing conflicts
- National Water Policy: Guides integrated water resource development
Challenges Addressed
- Resolution of long-pending inter-state disputes
- Equitable distribution of water resources
- Cost-sharing arrangements between states
- Balancing development needs with environmental concerns