The Kishau Multi-Purpose Dam
Context: The Union Home Minister recently chaired an important meeting in New Delhi, where six stakeholder states reached a landmark consensus to move forward with the long-pending Kishau Multi-Purpose Dam Project.
The states of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the implementation of the project.
The Kishau Multi-Purpose Dam Project is a major water infrastructure and hydropower initiative currently under development. It has been recognized as a project of national importance due to its role in addressing inter-state water-sharing concerns, generating renewable energy, and supporting the ecological restoration of river systems in the region.
Location:
The project is being developed on the Tons River, the largest tributary of the Yamuna River. It is located approximately 39 km north of Dakpathar and lies upstream of the existing Ichari Dam.
The dam site spans the interstate boundary between Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, making it a joint project of the two states.
Objective:
The project aims to establish a comprehensive water resource management system that will ensure a reliable supply of drinking water to downstream regions, expand irrigation coverage across northern India, generate peak-load hydroelectric power, and enhance the environmental flow of the Yamuna River to support its long-term ecological health and revival.
