Chennai/Amaravati: 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. The courtesy meeting was done as part of Vijay's visit to Vijayawada to participate in Vijayawada Utsav.
Chandrababu Naidu and Minister Nara Lokesh warmly welcomed Vijay at the Chief Minister’s camp office.
The two Chief Ministers, along with officials, discussed several issues.
Key issues discussed
Vijay urged Naidu to release additional drinking water to Chennai through the Telugu Ganga project, a release said. The Tamil Nadu chief minister also urged Naidu 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, Vijay 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.
On Vijay's request for release of additional drinking water to Chennai through the Telugu Ganga project, the Andhra Pradesh chief minister said that despite reduced Krishna water inflows due to the impact of El Niño this year and the resulting severe water scarcity, the state government remains committed to addressing Chennai’s drinking water needs, it added.
He further stated that Andhra Pradesh had already released 4.08 TMC of water to Chennai. He added that the government would consider releasing additional water based on availability and requirements, the release said.
Vijay's Andhra visit
Later, the two chief ministers attended Vijayawada Utsav 2.0, a cultural festival, at Punnami Ghat, where Naidu welcomed Vijay on his maiden visit to the city since assuming office.
Highlighting Vijay's political rise and goal of developing Tamil Nadu, Naidu expressed confidence in the youth of the country.
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 Tamil Nadu chief minister, completing his Andhra visit, returned to Chennai on Tuesday night.
(With inputs from PTI & ANI)
