Resolve water conflicts through cooperation, PM Modi tells states

Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked states to resolve interstate water disputes through cooperation, timely clearances and technology-based monitoring, and said the Ken-Betwa project should serve as a model.

Chairing the 51st PRAGATI meeting, during which seven critical infrastructure projects in railway, power and road sectors covering nine states worth around ₹30,000 crore were reviewed on Wednesday evening (May 27, 2026), he highlighted that delay in implementation of public projects not only results in cost escalation but also deprives citizens of timely access to essential facilities.

While reviewing the Ken-Betwa Rivers Linking Project, the Prime Minister said it should serve as a model for other states to resolve interstate water issues through cooperation, timely clearances, technology-based monitoring and mission mode execution, according to an official statement. States have been encouraged to identify similar opportunities where river linking, water conservation, groundwater recharge and efficient irrigation can be leveraged in an integrated manner to ensure long-term water security, the release said.

PRAGATI is a multi-modal ICT-enabled platform aimed at enabling proactive governance and rapid implementation, seamlessly integrating the efforts of central and state governments. The seven critical infrastructure projects are essential to economic growth and public well-being and were reviewed with an emphasis on timeliness, interagency coordination and rapid problem resolution.

Apart from the Ken Betwa River Link Project, Mr. Modi also reviewed the Swachh Bharat-Urban Mission 2.0. Reviewing power sector projects, he highlighted the need to accelerate the adoption of rooftop solar in urban areas, with a particular focus on cities, residential hubs and public institutions. Mr. Modi emphasized that rooftop solar energy should be adopted in mission mode to reduce electricity costs, improve energy security and promote clean energy at the household and community level.

Also Read: What is the status of Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0? | Explain

While reviewing the road and port connectivity projects, it was highlighted that Vadhavan Port should be developed as a model of port-led multi-modal development, where all major modes of transport are seamlessly integrated to create a future-ready logistics ecosystem. The project should not be seen simply as a port, but as a national gateway connected by cabotage, inland waterways, dedicated freight corridors, high-speed rail connectivity, highways and airport links.

The Prime Minister underlined the need for effective implementation of the Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0, emphasizing that it should go beyond creation of infrastructure and ensure measurable results through regular monitoring, citizen participation and convergence among various stakeholders. He asked states to expedite the completion of infrastructure related to solid waste management, including waste treatment plants and Gobardhan plants.

Mr. Modi observed that every delay has a direct impact on the lives of citizens, regional growth and public resources and stressed that central ministries, departments and states must adopt a more proactive and time-bound approach to resolve outstanding issues, remove bottlenecks and ensure faster execution.

The Prime Minister also highlighted that innovative use of canal networks should be explored, including the installation of solar panels along and above the canals for clean electricity generation. This would help optimize land use, reduce evaporation losses, generate renewable energy and create additional economic value from water infrastructure.

At the start of the meeting, Cabinet Secretary TV Somanathan said that as per the instructions of the Prime Minister, a system of monthly review of social sector schemes at the state level had also been put in place.

This mechanism aims to ensure regular monitoring, faster resolution of implementation issues and greater accountability at the state and district levels. As part of this initiative, the Swachh Bharat Mission was examined first at the state level.