Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Approves Major Financial Participation in Two Key Water Projects
The Uttar Pradesh state cabinet, in a significant decision on Saturday, has given its formal approval for the state's financial involvement in two crucial under-construction water projects. These projects are the Lakhwar Multipurpose Project located in Uttarakhand and the Renukaji Dam Project situated in Himachal Pradesh. This move underscores UP's commitment to bolstering water infrastructure and resource management across the region.
Lakhwar Multipurpose Project: Details and Financial Allocation
The cabinet has sanctioned an expenditure of Rs 356.07 crore as Uttar Pradesh's share in the Lakhwar Multipurpose Project. The total cost of this ambitious project is estimated at Rs 5,647.17 crore. It is being constructed on the Yamuna River, specifically near Lohari village in the Dehradun and Tehri Garhwal districts of Uttarakhand.
Key features of the Lakhwar project include:
- A massive 204-meter-high dam structure.
- An underground power house with a capacity of 300 MW.
- A balancing reservoir equipped with a barrage.
Uttar Pradesh holds a water consumption share of 31.05% in this project. Upon completion, it is expected to provide irrigation water for approximately 33,780 hectares of land across multiple beneficiary states. These states encompass Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Additionally, the project will supply 78.83 million cubic meters (MCM) of water for domestic and industrial purposes and generate 300 MW of incidental power. The targeted completion date for the Lakhwar Multipurpose Project is December 2031.
Renukaji Dam Project: Financial Commitment and Specifications
In a parallel decision, the cabinet has also approved an expenditure of Rs 361.04 crore as UP's share in the Renukaji Dam Project. This project is being constructed on the Giri River in the Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh. The total cost of the Renukaji Dam Project is Rs 6,946.99 crore.
The project involves the construction of a substantial dam with the following specifications:
- A height of 148 meters and a length of 430 meters.
- A total water storage capacity of 498 MCM.
- A live storage capacity of 330 MCM.
Furthermore, the Renukaji Dam Project includes a power generation facility with a capacity of 40 MW. This initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance water availability and energy production in the region.
Strategic Implications and Regional Benefits
The approval of these financial allocations highlights Uttar Pradesh's proactive role in inter-state water resource projects. By investing in the Lakhwar and Renukaji projects, UP aims to secure a reliable water supply for irrigation, domestic use, and industrial activities. The power generation components of both projects will also contribute to the state's energy needs, supporting sustainable development.
These projects are expected to foster regional cooperation among the beneficiary states, ensuring equitable distribution of water resources. The cabinet's decision aligns with long-term goals of water security and infrastructure development, positioning Uttar Pradesh as a key stakeholder in national water management initiatives.
