**Subject: Status of Proposal for Yamuna River Barrage Construction in Agra**
This document summarizes the current status of a proposal for the construction of a barrage downstream of the Yamuna River in Agra, submitted by the Irrigation Water Resources Department (IWRD), Government of Uttar Pradesh, to the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG). The proposal seeks approval under Section 42 of the River Ganga Rejuvenation, Protection and Management Authorities Order, 2016, for the construction of a rubber dam downstream of the Taj Mahal.
The NMCG is currently undertaking a detailed examination of the proposal, assessing potential impacts on river morphology, the ambient environment, and the structural integrity of the proposed structure. This review includes consideration of statutory clearances obtained from relevant departments and agencies.
The IWRD, U.P. has been advised to conduct a detailed hydrogeological study to assess the potential impact of water impoundment on the foundation and structural integrity of the Taj Mahal. Additionally, the IWRD must furnish details of a mechanism to ensure continuous flow in the river to maintain water quality.
The proposal aims to augment groundwater levels, promote greenery, and enhance the scenic and environmental value of monuments, including the Taj Mahal, Mehtab Bagh, EtmadudDaula, Ram Bagh, and Jaswant Singh ki Chhatri. Furthermore, the government is considering the potential of the barrage for enabling boating, cruising, and sustainable riverfront development in Agra.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Jal Shakti: A ministry of the Government of India responsible for water resources and sanitation.
River Yamuna: A major river in Northern India, a tributary of the Ganges.
Agra, Uttar Pradesh: A city in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India, where the proposed barrage construction is planned.
SHRI RAJKUMAR CHAHAR: Member of Parliament who raised a question about the Yamuna barrage in Agra.
Taj Mahal: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, a mausoleum located on the banks of the Yamuna River in Agra, India, potentially affected by the barrage construction.
National Mission for Clean Ganga: An initiative by the Government of India to reduce pollution and conserve the River Ganga.
Government of Uttar Pradesh: The state government responsible for the Irrigation Water Resources Department (IWRD) which submitted the barrage proposal.
River Ganga Rejuvenation, Protection and Management Authorities Order, 2016: A legal framework under which the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) operates and reviews proposals like the Yamuna barrage.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF JAL SHAKTI
DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT & GANGA REJUVENATION
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2059
ANSWERED ON 31.07.2025
CONSTRUCTION OF A BARRAGE DOWNSTREAM OF RIVER YAMUNA IN AGRA
2059. SHRI RAJKUMAR CHAHAR
Will the Minister of JAL SHAKTI be pleased to state:
(a) whether the proposal for construction of a barrage downstream of the river Yamuna in Agra is
pending for consideration before the Government or any of its departments or expert bodies;
(b) if so, the details thereof along with the time since when it is pending along with the reasons or
objections therefor;
(c) whether the Government is aware that construction of the said barrage would help augment
groundwater levels, promote greenery and enhance the scenic and environmental value of monuments
such as the Taj Mahal, Mehtab Bagh, Etmad-ud-Daula, Ram Bagh and Jaswant Singh ki Chhatri and if
so, the details thereof; and
(d) whether the Government proposes to assess and promote the potential of such a barrage for enabling
boating, cruising and sustainable riverfront development in Agra and if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI
(SHRI RAJ BHUSHAN CHOUDHARY)
(a) to (d)
i. The Irrigation & Water Resources Department (IWRD), Government of Uttar Pradesh, has
submitted a proposal to the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) seeking approval
under Section 42 of River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection and Management) Authorities
Order, 2016 for the construction of a rubber dam downstream of the Taj Mahal on the River
Yamuna in Agra;
ii. Upon receipt of such proposals, NMCG undertakes a detailed examination to assess potential
impacts on river morphology, ambient environment, structural integrity of the proposed
structures, etc. before granting approval. This review also considers the status of statutory
clearances obtained from relevant departments and agencies, as applicable.
iii. IWRD, U.P has been advised to conduct a detailed scientific assessment & Hydro geological
study of the potential impact of impounding water through the proposed rubber dam on the
foundation and structural integrity of the Taj Mahal, and also furnish details of a mechanism
to ensure continuous flow in the river so as to tackle water quality.
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