TN CM Urges PM to Fast-Track Godavari-Cauvery-Gundar Link, Seek National Project Status

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging the expedited implementation of the Godavari-Cauvery-Gundar river linking project. In his letter, the Chief Minister proposed the creation of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to oversee the initiative, which he described as a crucial long-term opportunity to augment the state's surface water resources.

The Chief Minister stressed that the project is vital for addressing the growing drinking water and irrigation demands of Tamil Nadu, particularly in the southern districts. He noted that the National Water Development Agency (NWDA) has already prepared a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Godavari-Pennar-Palar-Vellar link as the first phase of the interlinking programme. However, the proposed alignment under this phase terminates a few kilometres short of the Cauvery River, limiting its direct benefit to Tamil Nadu.

Given this shortfall, the Chief Minister requested that priority be given to the Godavari-Cauvery-Gundar river linking project, which he termed as being of national importance. He urged the Union Government to grant the initiative 'National Project' status to ensure fast-track execution. Additionally, he suggested the formation of a Special Purpose Vehicle involving the Central Government and the relevant states, so that the project can be completed within a fixed timeframe.

The Chief Minister also asked the Prime Minister to issue appropriate directives to the NWDA and the Ministry of Jal Shakti in this regard. The letter underscores the state's persistent demand for a reliable and long-term solution to its water scarcity challenges, which have been exacerbated by recurring monsoon failures in recent years.

In a separate communication to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, the Chief Minister flagged the arrest of 11 Indian fishermen from Ramanthapuram by the Sri Lankan Navy. He sought the minister's intervention for their early release and called for the revival of bilateral dialogues through the Joint Working Group (JWG) to address the recurring issue of fishermen being detained. The JWG has historically served as a platform to discuss such maritime disputes between India and Sri Lanka.

These letters reflect the Tamil Nadu government's focus on two key issues: securing the state's water future through an ambitious river-linking project, and protecting the livelihoods and welfare of its fishing community. The responses from the Union Government and the Ministry of External Affairs are awaited.