The ninth meeting of the Upper Yamuna Review Committee (UYRC) was convened in Noida under the chairmanship of Union Minister for Jal Shakti C R Patil, bringing together ministers from Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Rajasthan, along with senior officials from the Central Water Commission, Central Ground Water Board, Central Pollution Control Board and the Department of Water Resources. Representatives from all six Upper Yamuna basin states—Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Delhi—were present.

The committee reviewed a wide range of issues linked to the regulation and management of surface water in the Yamuna basin. Discussions covered the progress of key storage projects, the transfer of Rajasthan’s allocated share of Yamuna water, maintenance of ecological flow in the river, and a proposal to include a representative from the National Mission for Clean Ganga as a member of the Upper Yamuna River Board.

Members expressed satisfaction with ongoing cooperation between Haryana and Rajasthan on the project aimed at supplying Rajasthan’s share of Yamuna water to its water-scarce regions. Ensuring adequate flow in the Yamuna for its ecological rejuvenation also featured prominently.

Union Minister C R Patil highlighted the need for all basin states to adopt water-efficient practices to reduce consumption and make more water available for the river. He urged states to examine the possibilities constructively and support the timely execution of three planned storage projects in the Yamuna basin. According to him, these initiatives would help improve water availability during lean months, ensure ecological flow and contribute to reducing pollution levels in the river.

The meeting concluded with a shared understanding that coordinated action among basin states remains crucial to strengthening the Yamuna’s long-term sustainability.

News source: PIB