The Modi government at the Center has intensified the campaign to resolve the water disputes that have been going on between the states for decades. The central government is trying to resolve these old disputes by talking to the respective state governments one by one. Some big agreements have also been reached in the last one month. And many such important agreements are going to happen in the coming days also.
In fact, due to the water disputes going on between the states for the last several decades and long legal battles in the courts, many development projects had come to a halt. But on the instructions of PM, Home Minister Amit Shah and Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil started talks with Chief Ministers to resolve pending water disputes between states. Emphasis was laid on resolving disputes through negotiation and consensus.
First the focus was on those matters in which there was more possibility of mutual consent. That means, priority was given to the disputes between those states where there were BJP or NDA ruled governments. Results became visible within a month. Besides, efforts are also being made to resolve those disputes where there are opposition governments.
30 year old dispute between Haryana and Rajasthan resolved
On June 29, the nearly 30 year old Yamuna Water Project dispute between Haryana and Rajasthan was resolved. Home Minister Amit Shah and Jal Shakti Minister C.R. In the presence of Patil, both the states signed the historic agreement. Shekhawati region of Rajasthan and border areas of Haryana will benefit from this. Where now additional water from Yamuna can be used.
These 4 states resolved decades old dispute
On July 7, a one-time settlement was reached in the decades-old financial and rehabilitation dispute between Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Rajasthan over the Sardar Sarovar and Indira Sagar projects on the Narmada river. This agreement ended long-standing differences related to rehabilitation and compensation of displaced people as well as financing of the project.
There will be agreement on Kishau project in 5 states
Now an important meeting has been called on 15th July. In this meeting, an agreement will be signed between Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Haryana regarding Kishau Multipurpose Project. With this agreement related to the proposed Kishau Dam on Tons River and the revival of Yamuna, lakhs of people of these states will get the benefit of drinking water and electricity.
Son river water distribution issue will be resolved soon
The issue of sharing of Son River water between Bihar and Jharkhand has also been stuck for years. According to sources, a consensus has almost been reached regarding this also. Under the proposed arrangement, out of total 7.75 MAF water, Jharkhand will get 2 MAF and Bihar will get 5.75 MAF. Farmers of both the states will benefit from this. This will also clear the way for Indrapuri Reservoir Project.
Central government also keeps an eye on the disputes in the South
There are signs of consensus in Karnataka, Telangana, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh on the issue of sharing of Krishna river water which has been stuck for years. However, the decades-long Cauvery water dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka still remains sensitive. But central government sources say that an initiative will be taken to reach a consensus on this in the near future. In this matter, both the states have their own views regarding water sharing, keeping them in mind, a solution will be found.
What does the central government say?
The central government says that farmers and common citizens will directly benefit from the resolution of these decades-old disputes. Besides this, irrigation projects of the states will also be able to move forward.
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