The Sardar Sarovar Project (SSP) is one of India’s most ambitious and transformative infrastructure undertakings, uniquely characterized by its multi-state collaboration. Built on the Narmada River, the project is designed to deliver irrigation water, drinking water, and hydroelectric power to four Indian states—Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. As a large-scale river basin development initiative, the SSP exemplifies how cooperative planning and execution can harness the full potential of a major river system to drive regional development and national progress.
The need for such a project arose from the chronic water scarcity and uneven resource distribution in western India. While the Narmada River had significant untapped potential, its benefits could only be realized through a coordinated, inter-state approach. The SSP was envisioned not just as a dam or a canal, but as a comprehensive water management system that would equitably serve multiple regions, each with distinct needs and challenges.
The journey of the Sardar Sarovar Project began amid inter-state disputes over the sharing of the Narmada River’s waters. These disputes, involving the four basin states, led to the establishment of the Narmada Water Disputes Tribunal (NWDT) in 1969. After nearly a decade of deliberation, the tribunal issued its final award in 1979, laying down the legal framework for the allocation of water and power among the states. Gujarat was allocated the largest share of water, followed by Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. The award also specified the distribution of hydroelectric power generated by the project.
To implement and regulate the project in accordance with the tribunal’s directives, the Narmada Control Authority (NCA) was established. This inter-state body was tasked with overseeing construction, monitoring environmental and social safeguards, and ensuring that water and power were distributed as per the agreed terms. The NCA became the backbone of the project’s governance, facilitating coordination among the states and central agencies.
The construction of the SSP was a shared responsibility, with each state contributing to the funding, planning, and execution of various components. Gujarat led the construction of the Sardar Sarovar Dam and the Narmada Main Canal, while Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra played key roles in developing the hydroelectric powerhouses and upstream infrastructure. Rajasthan, though not directly involved in construction, benefited from the extension of the canal network into its territory.
The allocation of water was carefully planned: Gujarat receives 9 million acre-feet (MAF) of water annually, Madhya Pradesh 18.25 MAF, Maharashtra 0.25 MAF, and Rajasthan 0.5 MAF. Similarly, the 1,450 MW of hydroelectric power generated by the River Bed Power House (RBPH) and Canal Head Power House (CHPH) is shared among the states, with Madhya Pradesh receiving the largest share, followed by Maharashtra and Gujarat.
Coordinating such a vast and complex project across state boundaries required meticulous planning and logistical coordination. Water release schedules had to be synchronized with irrigation demands, reservoir levels, and power generation needs. The NCA played a central role in this, using real-time data and hydrological models to manage water flows and ensure compliance with the tribunal award.
Today, the Sardar Sarovar Project is fully operational, delivering on its promise of regional transformation. The dam and canal network provide irrigation to over 18 lakh hectares, drinking water to more than 9,000 villages and 173 towns, and clean electricity to millions. The project has significantly improved agricultural productivity, reduced rural distress, and supported industrial growth in the beneficiary states.
The NCA continues to manage the project’s operations, ensuring equitable water distribution, monitoring environmental parameters, and facilitating inter-state dialogue. Its role remains crucial in maintaining the delicate balance between competing demands and ensuring that the benefits of the project are sustained over time.
The Sardar Sarovar Project stands as a powerful example of cooperative federalism in action. It demonstrates how states with differing interests can come together under a shared vision, guided by legal frameworks and institutional mechanisms, to achieve common developmental goals. The SSP is not just a dam or a canal—it is a model for multi-state collaboration, resource sharing, and inclusive infrastructure development.
As India continues to face challenges related to water scarcity, energy demand, and regional disparities, the lessons from the Sardar Sarovar Project offer valuable insights. It shows that with the right mix of vision, governance, and cooperation, even the most complex projects can be successfully executed for the greater good.
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