Zillar Barta Desk,Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu met Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay in Vijayawada to discuss issues of mutual interest, with a particular focus on Chennai’s drinking water requirements and the proposed Godavari–Cauvery river interlinking project.
Sharing details of the meeting on X, Naidu said the discussions were productive and focused on strengthening cooperation between the two neighbouring states to address water-related challenges.
“It was a pleasure to welcome the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru C. Joseph Vijay garu, in Vijayawada today,” Naidu wrote.
Highlighting Andhra Pradesh’s support for Tamil Nadu, Naidu stated that his government had already released 4.08 thousand million cubic feet (TMC) of water to Chennai this year through the Telugu Ganga Project.
He acknowledged that Andhra Pradesh itself faces water constraints but reaffirmed his government's commitment to supporting its neighbouring state while balancing the water requirements of its own people.
Naidu emphasised that water resources should encourage cooperation rather than create disputes between states. He said close coordination between the state governments was essential to address drinking water needs and ensure the sustainable use of available resources.
The proposed Godavari–Cauvery river interlinking initiative was another key topic discussed during the meeting. Naidu expressed confidence that the project, with cooperation among the states and support from the Union Government, could help address water scarcity across parts of South India.
According to the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, the initiative has the potential to support agricultural development, improve water availability and bring economic benefits to lakhs of farmers across the region.
However, the project's implementation would require detailed planning, coordination among the states concerned, and consideration of environmental, financial and water-sharing issues.
Naidu said that shared water resources could become a foundation for shared prosperity if the states worked together constructively.
The meeting between the two chief ministers highlights the importance of interstate coordination on drinking water supply, irrigation and long-term water management. Chennai's drinking water requirements remain a significant concern for Tamil Nadu, while Andhra Pradesh must balance its own agricultural and domestic demands.
Both states' cooperation on water-sharing arrangements and the proposed river-linking initiative could play an important role in shaping future discussions on water security in South India.
Naidu concluded by expressing confidence that continued dialogue and coordination could help turn common water challenges into opportunities for regional development.
