Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has proposed linking the Godavari and Cauvery rivers, emphasizing the potential benefits for Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana. He urged the Central government to undertake this interlinking as a national initiative. Speaking at a public gathering after inaugurating 33 new crest gates at the Tungabhadra dam in Karnataka, Naidu highlighted the importance of this project alongside Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy.
Naidu commended the progress India has made under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, citing achievements like ‘One Nation, One Grid’ and the development of telecom and road networks. He suggested that linking rivers such as the Ganga and Cauvery could further propel India’s advancement. Naidu also mentioned the successful interlinking of rivers in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh through the Ken-Betwa project.
Acknowledging Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Paatil’s efforts in facilitating discussions among the Chief Ministers of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana, Naidu emphasized the unity among states for the nation’s welfare. He stressed the significance of collaborative efforts in managing water resources, particularly highlighting the role of the Tungabhadra Dam in supporting agriculture and providing drinking water across regions.
Naidu underscored the importance of prudent water usage due to the El Nino phenomenon affecting water inflow into reservoirs. He suggested prioritizing internal river linking before pursuing inter-state projects to ensure efficient water management.
