Politics
Tamil Nadu Depends on Neighbouring States for Over 30 Per Cent of Its Water Needs, With Groundwater Critically Overexploited
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to expedite the Godavari-Cauvery-Gundar river link project, requesting it be declared a project of national importance. In a letter to Modi on Thursday, Vijay said the project would transfer surplus floodwaters from water-surplus basins to water-deficit regions, addressing chronic water scarcity in southern districts like Pudukkottai, Sivagangai, Ramanathapuram and Virudhunagar.
The National Water Development Agency (NWDA) has prepared a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Godavari–Pennar–Palar–Vellar Link as Phase I, benefiting Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, but the alignment currently ends upstream of the Cauvery River. Vijay urged the PM to direct the Ministry of Jal Shakti and NWDA to expedite consultations, finalise the DPR extending the link to the Kattalai Barrage, and consider a dedicated Special Purpose Vehicle for coordinated implementation. Your personal intervention in this matter would contribute significantly to achieving long-term water security for the water deficit regions of southern India, the letter said.
Source: The Hindu Business