Gujarat is poised to request an increased allocation of Narmada River waters from Madhya Pradesh due to rising demands in agriculture and industry. The current 45-year allocation period is set to expire on December 12, prompting Gujarat to push for a larger share based on its consistent utilization of its allocated quota, in contrast to Madhya Pradesh’s under-utilization.
Background of Narmada River Water Allocation:
The Narmada Water Disputes Tribunal (NWDT) allocated the river waters among four states—Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra—in December 1979. Initially, Gujarat sought 22.02 Million Acre Feet (MAF) of water, with 20.73 MAF designated for irrigation over a gross command area of 126.26 lakh hectares, and an additional MAF for drinking and industrial purposes.
Madhya Pradesh demanded 24.079 MAF, with 23.279 MAF for irrigation and 0.80 MAF for household and industrial purposes. The NWDT’s final allocation was 18.25 MAF for Madhya Pradesh, 9 MAF for Gujarat, 0.50 MAF for Rajasthan, and 0.25 MAF for Maharashtra, based on factors such as catchment area and regional water scarcity.
Current Utilization and Future Demands:
According to a Gujarat government official, Madhya Pradesh has been using less than 10 MAF on average, significantly below its allocated share. Gujarat plans to request an additional 8-9 MAF post the December deadline, citing its need for more water.
In the 2022-23 period, Gujarat used 9.21 MAF of its allocated 11.27 MAF, while Madhya Pradesh utilized only 8.84 MAF of its 22.85 MAF share. Historically, Madhya Pradesh has consistently under-utilized its allocation, further supporting Gujarat’s claim for a larger share.
Infrastructure and Historical Context:
The Sardar Sarovar Dam in Gujarat’s Kevadia is a key component of the river’s water management system. It is India’s third-highest concrete dam and holds the second-highest global ranking in concrete volume for gravity dams, with a spillway discharge capacity of 30.7 lakh cusecs.
The dam’s height was raised to 110.64 meters in June 2004 under the leadership of then-Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi. When Modi became Prime Minister in 2014, the pending approvals, including the installation of gates on the dam, were expedited. The dam reached its full height of 138.68 meters in 2017, with Modi inaugurating the completed project later that year.
Upcoming Negotiations with Narmada River Water:
The Narmada Control Authority (NCA), established in December 1980, will oversee the negotiations for water reallocation. This inter-state body includes representatives from the four states and the central government. The reallocation discussions are expected to have significant implications for agriculture, industry, and overall development in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan.
Gujarat’s internal presentation, reviewed by HT, highlights the state’s need for additional water while also emphasizing the importance of proper flood management. The result of these negotiations will be critical in shaping the region’s water management strategies for decades to come.
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