A long-pending Narmada project issue has been resolved after a high-level meeting in New Delhi, clearing the way for Maharashtra to receive its 10 TMC share of water and advancing key renewable energy initiatives under the PM Kusum Scheme.

Maharashtra to Receive 10 TMC of Narmada Water After 20-Year Pending Issue Is Resolved

A significant breakthrough has been achieved in the long-pending Narmada project, with Maharashtra set to receive its 10 TMC (Thousand Million Cubic Feet) share of water after a high-level meeting held in New Delhi. The decision resolves an issue that had remained unresolved for nearly two decades.

The meeting was chaired by Amit Shah and attended by Devendra Fadnavis, Mohan Yadav, Bhajan Lal Sharma, Bhupendra Patel, and C. R. Patil. The discussions focused on resolving pending issues related to the Narmada project and interstate water sharing.

Long-Pending Water Allocation Cleared

According to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Maharashtra had received electricity from the Narmada project after its completion but had not obtained its allocated share of 10 TMC of water.

During the meeting, it was agreed that Maharashtra would receive the full allocation. The state had requested 5 TMC through the Narmada–Tapi Diversion Scheme and 5 TMC from the Ukai Dam project, and both proposals received favorable consideration.

The meeting also approved the lifting of 5 TMC of water from the Ukai Dam during the monsoon season when reservoir levels are sufficient. Gujarat expressed its willingness to facilitate the arrangement, helping move the long-pending proposal forward.

Relief on Financial Issues

Along with resolving the water allocation, the meeting addressed several financial matters linked to the Narmada project.

According to the Chief Minister, most of the outstanding dues related to the project have been waived, leaving only ₹27 crore payable by Maharashtra. This decision is expected to reduce the state’s financial burden while allowing greater focus on implementing the water-sharing plan.

Benefits for North Maharashtra

The Maharashtra government is preparing a detailed plan to lift water from the Ukai Dam and distribute it to districts in North Maharashtra.

Officials expect the additional water supply to support irrigation, improve water availability, and strengthen long-term water security in the region, benefiting agriculture and local communities.

Maharashtra Receives Major Support Under PM Kusum Scheme

In a separate meeting chaired by Prahlad Joshi, renewable energy initiatives in Maharashtra were also reviewed.

Chief Minister Fadnavis stated that Maharashtra has received 51% of the total national funding allocated under the PM Kusum Scheme, making it the highest recipient among all states. The state also sought continued support under the revised PM Kusum Scheme and discussed expanding implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Suryaghar Scheme through larger adoption targets and administrative reforms.

Why the Decision Matters

The resolution of the 20-year-old Narmada water issue marks an important development in interstate water cooperation. Access to Maharashtra’s allocated water share could strengthen irrigation infrastructure, improve water management, and support economic development in water-scarce regions.

At the same time, continued investment under renewable energy programmes such as the PM Kusum Scheme is expected to support sustainable agriculture by promoting solar-powered irrigation and cleaner energy solutions.

Conclusion

The high-level meeting in New Delhi resulted in key decisions on both water resource management and renewable energy cooperation. The clearance of Maharashtra’s 10 TMC Narmada water allocation resolves a long-standing issue, while discussions on the PM Kusum Scheme reinforce ongoing efforts to strengthen sustainable development across the state.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What was decided regarding the Narmada project?

A long-pending issue related to Maharashtra’s share of Narmada water was resolved, enabling the state to receive its allocated 10 TMC of water.

2. Where was the meeting held?

The meeting took place in New Delhi.

3. Who attended the meeting?

The discussions included Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the Chief Ministers of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, along with Union Minister C. R. Patil.

4. How will Maharashtra receive the water?

The approved plan includes lifting 5 TMC of water from the Ukai Dam during the monsoon season, along with water from the Narmada–Tapi Diversion Scheme.

5. What was announced regarding the PM Kusum Scheme?

Maharashtra was recognized as the highest recipient of funding under the PM Kusum Scheme, receiving 51% of the total national allocation, with discussions also covering future support and renewable energy expansion.

Key Takeaways

• Maharashtra’s 20-year-pending Narmada water allocation issue has been resolved.
• The state will receive 10 TMC of water, including 5 TMC through the Ukai Dam arrangement.
• Several financial issues linked to the Narmada project were also settled, reducing outstanding dues.
• The additional water is expected to benefit districts in North Maharashtra.
• Maharashtra also received recognition as the largest beneficiary of PM Kusum Scheme funding, supporting renewable energy and sustainable agriculture.