New Delhi [India], July 7 (ANI): In a historic achievement, the decades-old dispute linked to Narmada river and long-pending issues related to the Narmada project was resolved on Tuesday with the signing of an agreement by all the four concerned states–Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra– in presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah here in the national capital.
The agreement was reached on the settlement of pending payment issues among the Narmada Award beneficiary states in the presence of Shah as well as Union Minister of Jal Shakti CR Patil, Chief Minister (CM) of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis, Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel, Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma and Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav alongwith senior officials from the Central government and all these states.
In a statement, the Ministry of Home Affairs said, “This agreement marks a historic milestone in resolving the long-standing disputes among the states of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Maharashtra relating to the cost-sharing arrangements for the construction of the Sardar Sarovar Project.”
Under the agreement, the MHA said, the payments to be made towards the final settlement of pending dues have been resolved through a one-time settlement.
Addressing the meeting, the Home Minister said that the issue of pending payments under the Narmada Award had remained unresolved among Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh for a long time, and that it has been resolved amicably today.
Shah said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several historic initiatives have been undertaken to strengthen water security and promote cooperative federalism in the water sector.
He further said that the formation of double-engine governments in several states under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi has enhanced the ability to understand one another, reduced political differences, and accelerated the resolution of many long-pending disputes across the country.
He appreciated the constructive cooperation extended by the governments of the four states in building a broad consensus on this important inter-state project.
Shah said that the project has immensely benefited Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan in particular. He said that with the completion of the dam, water and electricity have reached every part of these states.
He further said that while the benefits accruing to Rajasthan may appear modest at first glance, the areas that have received Narmada waters have witnessed a transformation in both the value of the land and the fortunes of the farmers.
Shah said that under the leadership of the Union Minister of Jal Shakti, water-related disputes and issues concerning water distribution across the country are being resolved one by one.
He said that the water dispute between Haryana and Rajasthan was resolved recently.
Shah said that whether it is the issue of the Kishau Dam Project, the water dispute between Rajasthan and Haryana, or today’s agreement, all these are shining examples of cooperative federalism.
He said that whether it is Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana or Maharashtra, the water ultimately serves the people of the country, especially the farmers.
Shah further said that regardless of which part of the country the water is utilised in, the ultimate beneficiary will be an Indian.
He also said that the necessary steps should be taken to resolve any dispute by keeping in mind the national loss caused by it, and that if a neighbouring state prospers, the benefits of that prosperity also accrue to one’s own state. (ANI)
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