Pact to resolve Narmada Project issues: Cong accuses MP CM of surrendering before Gujarat govt

Bhopal, Jul 8 (PTI) The Congress on Wednesday accused Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav of compromising on the state's interests in favour of Gujarat after four states reached an agreement resolving decades-old issues regarding displacement and land compensation within the Narmada Project. The Congress's attack comes a day after four states bordering the Narmada River, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra, reached an agreement in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. According to officials, the long-standing dispute concerning the displacement and land compensation of people in flood-prone areas of the Narmada River Project has now been resolved. MP Congress president Jitu Patwari said Yadav has compromised Madhya Pradesh's interests in favour of the "Gujarat lobby" by agreeing to settle the payment dispute related to the construction cost of the Sardar Sarovar Project (SSP) and the Narmada Award. "Several villages had submerged, and millions of people were displaced (for the Narmada project). The same Madhya Pradesh government, which gave its land and forests (for the project), had demanded a compensation of Rs 7,669 crore from the Gujarat government. "But instead of fighting for the state's rights, Mohan Yadav compromised with the Gujarat government and now has agreed to give Rs 550 crore to Gujarat," Patwari stated on X. According to officials, Madhya Pradesh had demanded Rs 7,669 crore as compensation for the Sardar Sarovar Dam Project, but following Tuesday's agreement, the government will have to pay Rs 550 crore to the Gujarat government. Patwari said that while the Narmada River originates in Madhya Pradesh and flows mostly in the state, several pockets still face irrigation and drinking water shortages. He claimed farmers don't get enough water and canals don't reach villages, while Madhya Pradesh's share of water and resources have been diverted elsewhere. "The entire state is witnessing how the Mohan government has compromised Madhya Pradesh's interests in front of Narendra Modi and Amit Shah. Today, Mohan Yadav is bowing down to the Gujarat lobby," the Congress leader added. PTI MAS NSK