Why in news:

• The state government of Haryana has claimed that no construction of dam on Kaushalya river can come up without its approval as it would impact the storage capacity of the river’s first dam located under its jurisdiction in Pinjore.

Key Points:

• The state government’s claim has come after the Himachal Pradesh government approved the design of a second dam on Kaushalya river near Datyar, located upstream from the famous Timber Trail in Parwanoo.
• The Haryana government on the development, has claimed that no such construction can come up without its approval as it would impact the storage capacity of the river’s first dam located under its jurisdiction in Pinjore.
• Bringing relief to residents of over 50 villages in Kasauli constituency, the Himachal Pradesh government during its budget session in March 2023 had approved the construction of the second dam on Kaushalya river, a tributary of Ghaggar, at an estimated cost of Rs 21.79 crore.
• While the project’s hydraulic design was approved in June, the Jal Shakti department of Dharampur Sub Division on Friday sent it to the Himachal Pradesh government to further forward it to the Centre seeking funds under National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).
• This comes amid ongoing tussles between Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana over water from the Pong dam, under Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) and Satluj Yamuna Link canal. Himachal Pradesh Chief MInister had earlier underlined that he seeks the state’s legitimate share on the river water within its territorial jurisdiction being used for hydro-power projects, irrigation, and drinking purposes.
• The first dam on Kaushalya river, was constructed by the Haryana government in 2012, to protect the state from flash floods and also supply water to Panchkula district. However, the Haryana government now says that the second dam would impact the storage capacity of Kaushalya Dam in Pinjore.