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Lakhwar dam delayed by three years, hits Delhi’s long-term water plan
Delhi’s long-term water plan is facing a setback as the Lakhwar dam is delayed by three years, now targeted for completion in 2034. The other upstream projects (Renukaji and Kishau) remain at early planning stages, and Delhi’s demand-supply gap is outlined in the 2025-26 Economic Survey.
Why It Matters
The delay affects Delhi’s ability to bridge its projected water demand with supplies from upstream dams, influencing future infrastructure plans and inter-state water management.
Timeline
10 Events
Delhi’s long-term planning anchored to upstream dams
May 15, 2026
Delhi’s long-term water strategy, including new treatment plants and expansion of supply, is being formulated based on anticipated water from Lakhwar, Renukaji and Kishau.
Lakhwar dam details
May 15, 2026
The Lakhwar dam is a 204-metre-high concrete dam on the Yamuna near Lohari village in Dehradun.
DJB payments to project bodies
May 15, 2026
DJB has paid ₹7.7 crore to UJVN Limited, ₹8.1 crore to Kishau Corporation Limited, and ₹214 crore to HPPCL toward the Lakhwar and related projects.
Upstream projects Renukaji and Kishau status
May 15, 2026
Renukaji dam and Kishau project are at very preliminary stage; Renukaji could provide up to 275 mgd and Kishau up to 372 mgd.
Lakhwar completion delayed to 2034
May 15, 2026
Officials said the Lakhwar dam cannot be completed by the originally stipulated deadline and is now expected to be completed by 2034.
Delhi water supply remains around 1,000 mgd through 2025-26
2026
The article notes Delhi’s daily water supply has remained around 1,000 mgd through 2025 and 2026.
Economic Survey cites demand-supply gap
2025
The 2025-26 Economic Survey states DJB estimates Delhi's water demand at 1,250 mgd, leaving a 250 mgd gap; population assumption is 25 million at 50 GPCD.
Delhi water supply around 1,000 mgd in 2024
2024
Delhi’s daily water supply remained around 1,000 mgd in 2024.
Lakhwar dam construction suspended
1992
Construction of the Lakhwar dam was suspended due to funding constraints.
Lakhwar dam planning begins
1976
Planning for the Lakhwar dam on the Yamuna began.