Amit Chavda Demands PM Modi Act On Narmada Project
Newz Daddy Gujarat Politics
Amit Chavda, President of Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee, has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the Narmada Project has always been called the lifeline of Gujarat because it brings water to dry and thirsty areas. It covers drinking water, irrigation, and even electricity generation. Without this project, many regions like Saurashtra, Kutch, and North Gujarat would face severe water problems every summer. That is why this letter to the Prime Minister carries weight, as it concerns the survival and growth of farmers and villages.
Amit Chavda said that the order of the Narmada Water Dispute Tribunal (NWDT) has been finalised after 45 years, but the Gujarat government is still sleeping like “Kumbhakarna”.The NWDT was formed in 1969 and gave its final award in 1979, which was valid for 45 years. This award decided how much water Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan could use from the Narmada River. Since it ended in 2024, no new framework is in place. This can create confusion and legal disputes between states. Farmers fear that if this issue is not solved quickly, their access to water will be uncertain.
He asked the Prime Minister, as a Gujarati, to take action to recover ₹7500 crore from neighbouring states that Gujarat should get for the Narmada project. The ₹7500 crore is not a small amount—it is crucial for completing canal networks and repairing water distribution systems. Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan are supposed to contribute, but the funds are still pending. This money could help build new branch canals and strengthen existing ones so that tail-end villages also receive water. Without these funds, irrigation expansion will remain incomplete.
Former Cabinet Minister Jaynarayan Vyas said that 93% of the Narmada Project was completed by the Congress governments. The project was for all of Gujarat till the year 2000, but BJP tried to take all the credit for it. The project began during the time of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, who laid the foundation stone in 1961. Successive Congress governments pushed the project forward, especially during the 1980s and 1990s. When the Supreme Court allowed construction in 2000, it was a breakthrough moment. However, political debates began as both Congress and the BJP tried to showcase the project as their achievement.
At Rajiv Gandhi Bhavan, both Amit Chavda and Jaynarayan Vyas addressed the media. They said:
From the idea to the building of the project, the Congress governments gave big support. The Narmada Dam, known as the Sardar Sarovar Dam, is one of the largest dams in the world. It can provide water to over 9,000 villages and 131 towns in Gujarat. The contribution of many leaders from different parties has been vital, not just one government. Farmers often say that politics should be kept aside in matters of water, as it is directly linked to their lives.
The aim was to give water to the last farms of Gujarat. But even today, many canal works are not complete. Water is wasted, and farmers in Kutch and Banaskantha may face a water problem in the future. Studies show that more than 30% of canal work is still incomplete. Because of poor canal lining, a lot of water seeps into the ground and is wasted before reaching farms. Farmers in Banaskantha, Patan, and Kutch, who were supposed to benefit the most, often complain about irregular supply. Experts warn that if the canals are not finished soon, the main purpose of the project will remain unfulfilled.
NWDT gave its order on 12 December 1979, valid for 45 years. That time ended in 2024, but no new order has been made by either the central or state government. If a new award is not declared, disputes may reach courts again. This could cause delays similar to the 1990s, when the project was stuck for years due to legal and environmental issues. Renewing the award for another 45 years will provide stability and stop unnecessary legal fights. Amit Chavda requested the Prime Minister to act as the Final Arbitrator and declare a new award for the next 45 years. This will stop future legal cases and secure water for farmers.
The Prime Minister has the constitutional authority to intervene in such inter-state water disputes. By stepping in as an arbitrator, PM Modi can make sure Gujarat’s rights are protected, while maintaining harmony with neighbouring states. Farmers believe this decision will secure water for future generations. Gujarat has to get ₹7500 crore from Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. But even though the BJP is ruling in these states and at the Centre, Gujarat has not received this money. Chavda asked PM Modi to intervene and get this money for Gujarat.
This point highlights the political irony despite the same party being in power in multiple states, the financial dues remain pending. Experts suggest that this delay is due to bureaucratic and financial disagreements between the states. However, without these funds, Gujarat cannot expand irrigation to the promised 18 lakh hectares of land. Jaynarayan Vyas reminded that leaders like Sanat Mehta, Babubhai Jashbhai, Chimanbhai Patel, Suresh Mehta, and Keshubhai Patel worked hard for the Narmada project. The Supreme Court in 2000 cleared hurdles, but the BJP celebrated the win only for itself and ignored others’ contributions.
This shows that the Narmada Project is a story of teamwork spread across decades. Leaders from different backgrounds, including both Congress and the BJP, played vital roles. Ignoring their contributions reduces the spirit of collective achievement. He also said that the project water is not being used properly for irrigation. This may harm farmers in North Gujarat and Kutch in the future.
Currently, only about 60% of the planned irrigation potential is being used. Experts warn that unless canal completion and maintenance are taken seriously, water scarcity will continue. Farmers in North Gujarat already face dropping groundwater levels, and they rely heavily on this project to survive. The Congress leaders urged the PM to extend the NWDT award and secure Gujarat’s rights in the Narmada project.
This appeal is not just political; it is about Gujarat’s future water security. Extending the award would ensure that the state’s farmers and people have a reliable source of water for the next four decades. The press conference was attended by Congress spokespersons Dr. Manish Doshi and Hemang Raval. Their presence highlighted the seriousness of the issue, as senior leaders gathered to show unity on the matter of Gujarat’s water rights.
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