Tamil Nadu CM Demands National Status for Godavari-Cauvery-Gundar River Project
Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has petitioned the Prime Minister to accelerate a major interstate river linking initiative to resolve water scarcity. The proposal includes the creation of a dedicated Special Purpose Vehicle to ensure the project meets strict completion deadlines.
Key takeaways
- Tamil Nadu seeks a Special Purpose Vehicle to expedite the Godavari-Cauvery-Gundar river linking initiative.
- Chief Minister Vijay requested the Prime Minister to grant the project official 'National Project' status.
- The state government wants to rectify an alignment gap that currently leaves the project short of the Cauvery River.
- A separate diplomatic request was made to secure the release of 11 fishermen detained by the Sri Lankan Navy.
Push for Water Security in Southern Districts
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has formally requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to prioritize the Godavari-Cauvery-Gundar river linking project. In a detailed communication, the Chief Minister identified this initiative as a primary long-term solution for enhancing the state's surface water reserves. The project intends to meet the escalating irrigation and drinking water requirements of Tamil Nadu residents, with a specific focus on the needs of the southern districts.
Strategic Shifts in Project Alignment
While the National Water Development Agency (NWDA) has already formulated a Detailed Project Report for a Godavari-Pennar-Palar-Vellar link, the Chief Minister raised concerns regarding its current trajectory. He noted that the existing plan concludes several kilometers before reaching the Cauvery River. Consequently, he has urged the Union Government to pivot focus toward the Godavari-Cauvery-Gundar alignment, citing its status as an initiative of national significance.
Proposed Execution Framework
To ensure rapid implementation, the Chief Minister called for the project to be designated as a 'National Project.' He further recommended the establishment of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV). This entity would facilitate collaboration between the Central Government and relevant state authorities to manage the construction within a defined timeline. Directives have been requested for both the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the NWDA to advance these plans.
Diplomatic Concerns Over Fishermen Detentions
In a concurrent appeal to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Chief Minister Vijay addressed the recent detention of 11 fishermen from Ramanathapuram by the Sri Lankan Navy. He pressed for federal intervention to secure their release and advocated for the resumption of bilateral talks through the Joint Working Group to prevent future arrests.
Key Facts
- Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay proposed a Special Purpose Vehicle to manage the river linking project.
- The Godavari-Cauvery-Gundar link is intended to serve the irrigation and drinking water needs of southern Tamil Nadu.
- Existing NWDA plans for the Godavari-Pennar link stop short of the Cauvery River.
- The state is seeking 'National Project' status from the Union Government for this initiative.
- Eleven Indian fishermen were recently apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy near Ramanathapuram.
Source: The Hindu — National
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