Chennai/Amaravati, Oct 13 Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Tuesday called on his Andhra Pradesh counterpart N Chandrababu Naidu and requested release of additional water from the Krishna river for Chennai.
Vijay, who met Naidu at his residence in Undavalli in Guntur district, also urged him to take forward the proposal of Godavari-Cauvery river linking project, as it would be beneficial for all the southern states, support farming and strengthen drinking water security.
Also, Vijay underscored that Tamil Nadu was a deficient state in surface water resources and it is dependent on neighbouring states for over 30 per cent of its water requirements.
The Godavari-Cauvery link proposal would be a longterm opportunity for both the states to increase surface water, the TN CM said.
He conveyed to Naidu that he had already requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to declare the project as of national importance.
The Tamil Nadu government, in an official release, said Vijay apprised Naidu that Krishna water is very important for Chennai’s water security and as on date, the storage in five of the city reservoirs was only about 35 per cent.
Vijay, hence, requested Naidu to release additional water for Chennai, the government added.
Responding to the request, Naidu said Andhra Pradesh would consider releasing additional water based on the availability and requirements, while reiterating the state’s commitment to meeting Chennai’s drinking water needs.
Despite reduced Krishna (river) water inflows due to the impact of El Ni o this year and the resulting severe water scarcity, the Andhra Pradesh government remained committed to addressing Chennai’s drinking water needs, he said.
According to Naidu, Andhra Pradesh has already released 4.08 TMC of water to Chennai.
The two Chief Ministers, along with officials, also discussed several issues of mutual interest.
Naidu underscored the importance of interlinking the Godavari and Cauvery rivers, describing it as a permanent solution to drought.
Later, the two CMs attended Vijayawada Utsav 2.0, a cultural festival, at Punnami Ghat here, where Naidu welcomed Vijay on his maiden visit to the city since assuming office.
Highlighting Vijay’s political rise and goal of developing TN, Naidu expressed confidence in the youth of the country.
TDP supremo also praised the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Further, he reaffirmed that interlinking of the Godavari, Krishna, Cauvery and Penna rivers would benefit all four southern states.
“There is no doubt that India will become number one by 2047. Conveying my gratitude to Vijay for attending the utsav,” the CM added.
Addressing the gathering, Vijay expressed happiness at attending the Navaratri festivities and conveyed his festival greetings to all.
“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, Ponguru Narayana, and top officials were present.
Vijay visited the Sri Kanakadurga temple in Vijayawada and offered prayers and Vijay thanked Naidu and the people of Andhra Pradesh for their hospitality.
The TN CM, completing his Andhra visit, returned to Chennai on Tuesday night.
(PTI News)
