Four states bordering the Narmada River—Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra—reached an agreement on Tuesday regarding a long-standing dispute concerning the resettlement of people from flooded areas and land compensation within the river project.
Signing of the Agreement
Ministers of these four states signed an agreement to resolve outstanding payments among beneficiaries of the Narmada Fund in the presence of Home Minister Amit Shah.
Amit Shah's Comments
After signing the agreement, Amit Shah noted that the formation of dual-composition governments in several states under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has contributed to better mutual understanding, reduced political disagreements, and accelerated the resolution of many long-pending disputes across the country.
Shah stated: 'This agreement marks a historic milestone in resolving long-standing disputes between the states of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra related to the cost-sharing mechanisms of the Sardar Sarovar project. According to this agreement, payments intended for the final settlement of arrears were resolved through a one-time calculation.'
Project Benefits for Regions
Expressing gratitude to the governments of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra for their cooperation in achieving broad consensus on this important inter-state project, Shah emphasized that the project has brought immense benefits to Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Rajasthan in particular. He added that after the dam construction was completed, water and electricity reached all parts of these states.
The minister also noted that although the benefits for Rajasthan may seem modest at first glance, the territories that received Narmada waters have seen changes in both land value and farmer welfare. He cited the resolution of the Kishau Dam project between Haryana and Rajasthan, as well as today's agreement, as examples of 'cooperative federalism.'