A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed on 21.01.2022 between the Governments of Haryana and Himachal Pradesh for construction of Adi Badri dam on river Somb in Himachal Pradesh, and its related infrastructure/ appurtenant works. Water stored in the dam is primarily to be used for revival of river Sarasvati. Key aspects of the MoU are as below:

1. Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited shall be the executing agency for construction of Adi Badri dam and its related infrastructure/ appurtenant works.
2. A Committee comprising of Additional Chief Secretary, Irrigation & Water Resources Department, Haryana; Secretary, Jal Shakti Vibhag, Himachal Pradesh; Engineer-in-Chiefs and other representatives of both the States, has been constituted for planning, supervising and monitoring of Adi Badri dam.
3. The entire funding of the project as provided in the detailed project report (DPR), shall be arranged by Government of Haryana.
4. Water stored by construction of Adi Badri dam on river Somb shall be primarily used for revival of river Sarasvati and development of Sarasvati Heritages. However, a defined part of the stored water is earmarked for drinking water and irrigation requirements of the project affected villages in Himachal Pradesh.

This Information was given by the Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Shri Bishweswar Tudu in a written  reply in Rajya Sabha today.

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