Delhi CM Dikshit welcomes initiatives taken at Upper Yamuna River Committee meet

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit welcomed the initiatives taken at the fifth meeting of the Upper Yamuna River Committee that was held here today under the chairmanship of Union Water Resources Minister Harish Rawat.

Speaking at the occasion, Dikshit welcomed all the representatives of the Basin States and dwelt upon issues of common interest regarding Water Conservation and Management of Water Resources.

She emphasized the urgency of Delhi's drinking water requirements and requested for the co-operation of both the Centre and Basin States in fulfilling the drinking water needs of the National Capital.

Dikshit welcomed the initiative taken by the Minister of Water Resources to expedite the progress of the upstream storage projects of construction of Renuka, Lakhwar Vyasi and Kishau dams on the river Yamuna and requested that the agreements regarding these projects be finalized quickly by the Basin States. This will help optimal utilization of river flows particularly during the non monsoon months and also improve the ecological health of the river. She noted that the Lakhwar Vyasi project has made good progress, and that this project should be completed in the shortest possible time.

The Delhi Chief Minister also requested for protection of the interests of all the Basin States on an equal footing and time bound resolution of pending issues.

She appreciated the initiative taken by the Ministry of Water Resources in facilitating dialogue on these critical issues in the Upper Yamuna River Committee meeting.

The meeting was attended by the Chief Ministers of Delhi and Haryana and Irrigation Ministers of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh.