New Delhi: A breakthrough was achieved on Tuesday as the Centre facilitated a historic agreement to resolve long-pending payment disputes related to the Narmada Award among Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
The agreement was signed in New Delhi in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Patil.
The pact was signed by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.
Senior officials from the Centre and the four states were also present, according to an official statement.
The agreement resolves long-standing disputes over the cost-sharing arrangement for the construction of the Sardar Sarovar Project. The pending financial liabilities have been settled through a one-time payment arrangement, bringing the issue to a close.
Speaking on the occasion, Shah said the pending payment issue under the Narmada Award had remained unresolved for years but was settled amicably through mutual consensus.
He credited the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for strengthening water security and promoting cooperative federalism in the country. Shah said governments at the Centre and in several states have worked together to reduce political differences and accelerate the resolution of long-pending inter-state disputes.
The home minister appreciated the cooperation shown by the governments of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra in reaching a broad consensus on the important inter-state project.
He said the Sardar Sarovar Project has significantly benefited Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Rajasthan by improving access to water and electricity. Shah added that although Rajasthan’s share of benefits may appear limited, the arrival of Narmada waters has transformed agricultural land and improved the livelihoods of farmers in the affected areas.
Highlighting recent progress in resolving water-related issues, Shah said several disputes are being settled under the leadership of Patil. He referred to the recent resolution of the water dispute between Rajasthan and Haryana and said issues such as the Kishau Dam Project and the latest Narmada agreement reflect the spirit of cooperative federalism.
He said water, irrespective of the state in which it is used, ultimately serves the people of India, particularly farmers. Every Indian, he added, benefits when such disputes are resolved.
Shah also urged all stakeholders to settle inter-state disputes by keeping the national interest in mind. He said the prosperity of one state contributes to the development and growth of neighbouring states as well.
