Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil has made a strong appeal to all states sharing the Yamuna river basin to significantly reduce their water consumption through efficient practices and allow more water to flow into the drying river. This crucial directive came during the 9th meeting of the Upper Yamuna Review Committee (UYRC) held in Noida on Friday, November 29, 2025.
High-Level Meeting Addresses Yamuna's Future
The significant gathering witnessed participation from water ministers and senior officials across six basin states - Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and NCT of Delhi. Key attendees included Uttar Pradesh Jal Shakti Minister Swatantra Dev Singh, Uttarakhand Irrigation Minister Satpal Ji Maharaj, Rajasthan Water Resources Minister Suresh Singh Rawat, Delhi Water Minister Pravesh Sahib Singh, and Haryana Irrigation & Water Resources Minister Shruti Choudhry.
According to an official statement released by the Union Jal Shakti Ministry, the committee thoroughly discussed multiple aspects of water regulation and management in the Yamuna basin. Critical agenda items included implementation of storage projects, transfer of Rajasthan's share of Yamuna water, maintaining environmental flow (e-flow) in the river, and inclusion of National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) representative as a member in Upper Yamuna River Board (UYRB).
Collaborative Efforts and Storage Projects
The committee expressed satisfaction with the ongoing collaboration between Haryana and Rajasthan for implementing a project that will transfer Rajasthan's allocated share of Yamuna water to water-scarce regions within the state. This project is expected to be operational at the earliest, addressing critical water scarcity issues.
Union Minister Patil emphasized that all partner states need to explore positive possibilities and work in the larger national interest for implementing three crucial storage projects in the Yamuna basin. These projects are envisioned to improve water availability during lean seasons, ensure consistent environmental flow, and significantly reduce pollution levels in the river.
Broader Water Conservation Initiatives
Earlier the same day, Minister Patil addressed the "Vision for Sujalam Bharat" Summit 2025, organized by his ministry. He highlighted that the summit, coordinated with NITI Aayog, aims to incorporate grassroots perspectives into national decision-making with focus on strengthening water management, sanitation, and sustainable practices nationwide.
Patil underscored India's challenging water scenario, noting that with nearly 18% of global population and only 4% of freshwater resources, the country faces significant challenges from rapid urbanization, industrial growth, changing land-use patterns, and climate variability.
The minister pointed to community participation as the key solution, highlighting the success of Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain which has led to creation of 22.5 lakh water-conservation works and over 42 lakh plantation activities across the country.
The comprehensive approach discussed in both meetings signals a renewed commitment to addressing India's water security challenges while focusing specifically on reviving one of its most important rivers - the Yamuna.
