Four States Sign Pact in New Delhi to Resolve Decades-Old Narmada Project Dispute

The state governments of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan signed a historic agreement in New Delhi on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, to resolve a decades-old dispute over the Narmada river project. The landmark pact addresses long-standing conflicts regarding cost-sharing arrangements and pending payments among the four states.

The agreement was signed in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, bringing an end to years of financial disagreements. The new framework establishes a mutually beneficial cost-sharing arrangement for the Narmada project, which is expected to resolve all pending financial conflicts between the participating states.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis welcomed the resolution, calling the newly signed agreement a "win-win" proposition for Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. He emphasized that the settlement successfully addresses the long-pending issues that had previously stalled progress and cooperation on the inter-state river project.

For decades, the Narmada river project had been a source of contention due to disagreements over how the substantial costs of the project should be divided and how outstanding payments should be cleared. The signing of this agreement on Tuesday officially resolves these financial disputes.

By establishing a clear, mutually agreed-upon framework, the four state governments aim to ensure smoother coordination and implementation of the project moving forward. The resolution marks a significant step in inter-state cooperation under the guidance of the central government.