Overview
The eight-year deadlock on the Kishau Dam project has ended after the Centre and beneficiary states agreed to cover the ₹2,000 crore power component cost. The multipurpose dam on the Tons river will generate 660 MW of hydropower, irrigate 97,000 hectares, and supply water to Delhi, Rajasthan, and Haryana.
A Long-Standing Deadlock Ends
The Kishau Dam project has been stuck for eight years. The disagreement was over who would pay for the power component. Now, the deadlock has ended. The Centre and the beneficiary states have agreed to cover the ₹2,000 crore power component cost. This is a major breakthrough. The Kishau Dam is a multipurpose dam proposed on the Tons river. It will benefit six states. The project will generate hydropower, provide irrigation, and supply drinking water. This article explains the project's location, capacity, benefits, and the recent agreement.
What is the Kishau Dam Project?
The Kishau Dam is a multipurpose dam project. It is proposed to be built on the Tons river . The Tons is a major tributary of the Yamuna river. The dam will be located along the Uttarakhand-Himachal Pradesh border . A multipurpose dam serves more than one purpose. The Kishau Dam will serve three main purposes:
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Hydroelectric power generation
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Irrigation
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Water supply
Key Features and Capacity
The project envisages the construction of a 236-metre-high concrete dam . This is a very tall dam. It will create an installed capacity of 4 x 165 MW . This totals 660 MW of hydroelectric power . The dam will also create an irrigation potential of 97,000 hectares . This means it will help farmers in the region. Additionally, it will supply 517 million cubic metres (MCM) of water annually . This water will go to Delhi, Rajasthan, and Haryana.
The project will also play a crucial role in enhancing the flow of fresh water into the Yamuna. This is especially important during the lean seasons when water is scarce.
Beneficiary States
Six states will benefit from the Kishau Dam project. They are:
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Delhi
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Uttar Pradesh
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Rajasthan
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Haryana
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Uttarakhand
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Himachal Pradesh
These states will receive water, power, or irrigation benefits from the project.
Funding and Cost Sharing
The project has a total cost. The power component is estimated at ₹2,000 crore . This was the main point of disagreement. Now, the Centre and the beneficiary states have agreed to share this cost.
As part of the project:
This is a significant commitment from the central government.
The Joint Venture: Kishau Corporation Limited
For the construction of this project, a joint venture was formed in 2017 . It is called Kishau Corporation Limited . This is a joint venture of the Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh governments. The corporation is responsible for implementing the project.
The Recent Consensus: A Win-Win Deal
The recent consensus ended the eight-year deadlock. Here are the key points:
This is a win-win deal. Himachal Pradesh gets its power component cost shared. Delhi and Rajasthan get additional water.
Why the Kishau Dam is Important
The Kishau Dam is important for several reasons:
1. Power Generation
The 660 MW of hydroelectric power will help meet the energy needs of the region. Hydropower is clean and renewable.
2. Irrigation
The 97,000 hectares of irrigation potential will help farmers. It will increase agricultural productivity.
3. Water Supply
The 517 MCM of water annually will help Delhi, Rajasthan, and Haryana. These states face water scarcity.
4. Environmental Flow
The dam will enhance the flow of fresh water into the Yamuna. This will help maintain the river's health, especially during dry seasons.
A Human Touch: The Impact on People
The Kishau Dam will have a direct impact on people's lives. For a farmer in Uttar Pradesh, it means a reliable source of irrigation water. For a resident of Delhi, it means better water supply. For a family in Rajasthan, it means less water scarcity. For a worker in Uttarakhand, it means employment opportunities during construction. The dam is not just about concrete and steel. It is about improving the quality of life for millions of people.
The Road Ahead
With the deadlock resolved, the project can now move forward. The next steps will include:
The project will take several years to complete. But the end of the deadlock is a major milestone.
Exam-Focused Points
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Kishau Dam project: Multipurpose dam on the Tons river (tributary of Yamuna).
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Location: Uttarakhand-Himachal Pradesh border.
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Beneficiary states: Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh.
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Dam height: 236 metres.
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Installed capacity: 660 MW (4 x 165 MW).
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Irrigation potential: 97,000 hectares.
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Water supply: 517 MCM annually to Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana.
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Joint venture: Kishau Corporation Limited (formed in 2017).
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Recent consensus: Centre and states agreed to cover ₹2,000 crore power component cost.
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Funding: 90% water component funded by Centre; 10% by states.
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Himachal's water share: Allocated to Delhi and Rajasthan in return for sharing power component cost.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Where is the Kishau Dam proposed to be built?
A: The dam is proposed to be built on the Tons river, along the Uttarakhand-Himachal Pradesh border.
Q2: Which river is the Tons river a tributary of?
A: The Tons river is a major tributary of the Yamuna river.
Q3: How much hydropower will the Kishau Dam generate?
A: The dam will have an installed capacity of 660 MW (4 x 165 MW).
Q4: Which states will benefit from the Kishau Dam project?
A: The beneficiary states are Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh.
Q5: What was the recent breakthrough regarding the Kishau Dam project?
A: The eight-year deadlock on the project ended after the Centre and beneficiary states agreed to cover the ₹2,000 crore power component cost.