Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Tuesday urged his Andhra Pradesh counterpart N Chandrababu Naidu to release additional Krishna river water to Chennai, citing concerns over the city’s water security.
He also called for expediting the proposed Godavari-Cauvery river-linking project, saying it could benefit southern states, support agriculture and improve drinking water availability.
Vijay met Naidu at his residence in Undavalli, in Andhra Pradesh's Guntur district, during his first visit to the state since assuming office.
According to an official release issued by the Tamil Nadu government, Vijay told Naidu that the state had limited surface water resources and depended on neighbouring states for more than 30 per cent of its water requirements.
He said the proposed Godavari-Cauvery link offered a long-term opportunity for both states to augment their surface water resources. Vijay also informed Naidu that he had already requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to declare the project a project of national importance.
CHENNAI'S RESERVOIRS AT 35% CAPACITY
Vijay stressed that Krishna river water was crucial to Chennai’s drinking water security. According to the Tamil Nadu government, he pointed out that the five reservoirs supplying the city were holding water at around 35 per cent of their combined capacity.
He, therefore, sought the release of additional water from Andhra Pradesh to meet Chennai’s drinking water requirements.
Responding to the request, Naidu said his government would consider releasing more water based on availability and requirements. He reiterated Andhra Pradesh’s commitment to meeting Chennai’s drinking water needs.
Naidu said Andhra Pradesh had already released 4.08 thousand million cubic feet (TMC) of water to Chennai. He added that Krishna water inflows had declined this year amid the impact of El Nio, contributing to severe water scarcity.
NAIDU BACKS RIVER INTERLINKING
The two chief ministers and officials also discussed several issues of mutual interest, including the proposed river-linking project.
Naidu described the Godavari-Cauvery link as a potential permanent solution to drought. He also said linking the Godavari, Krishna, Cauvery and Penna rivers would benefit all four southern states.
The two leaders later attended Vijayawada Utsav 2.0, a cultural festival held at Punnami Ghat in Vijayawada. Naidu welcomed Vijay on his maiden visit to the city since taking office.
Addressing the gathering, Naidu praised Vijay’s political rise and his goal of developing Tamil Nadu. He also expressed confidence in the country’s youth and praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
"There is no doubt that India will become number one by 2047," Naidu said, while thanking Vijay for attending the festival.
Vijay expressed happiness at participating in the Navaratri festivities and conveyed his greetings to the people.
"I came to Vijayawada to discuss rivers interlinking with CM Chandrababu. I am immensely happy to see you," he said.
Tamil Nadu Water Resources Minister N Anand, Public Works Minister Aadhav Arjuna, Andhra Pradesh ministers Nara Lokesh and Ponguru Narayana, and senior officials were present during the meetings and events.
Vijay also visited the Sri Kanaka Durga Temple in Vijayawada to offer prayers. He thanked Naidu and the people of Andhra Pradesh for their hospitality before returning to Chennai on Tuesday night.
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