In a significant inter-state water resource development move, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has proposed linking the Godavari and Cauvery rivers to address floods and water scarcity. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has simultaneously requested more water for Chennai from Andhra Pradesh amid rising climate pressures driven by El Niño.
Water Link Proposal and Meeting in Vijayawada
Naidu suggested the ambitious Godavari-Cauvery link project during a Tuesday meeting with Vijay in Vijayawada. The proposal aims to establish a permanent solution to drought conditions and improve water security in southern India.
Expressing gratitude, CM Vijay said, “I came to Vijayawada to discuss the river-interlinking project with Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. I am thankful for the suggestions he has made for the commitment to release additional water to Chennai,” during the Navaratri Utsav event.
Andhra Pradesh’s River Link Experience
Naidu highlighted Andhra Pradesh’s successful implementation of intra-state river links such as the Pattiseema scheme, which connected the Godavari and Krishna rivers. He views the proposed Godavari-Cauvery link as a crucial, climate-resilient measure for securing water needs in the drought-prone southern peninsula.
Vijay’s visit to Vijayawada included participation in the Vijayawada Utsav and the discussion about Andhra Pradesh potentially releasing an additional 10 Thousand Million Cubic feet (TMC) of water to Chennai via the Telugu Ganga project for drinking water requirements.
Official Statements and Water Commitments
According to an official release by Andhra Pradesh, Naidu explained the importance of this river interlinking as a permanent drought solution. The government reaffirmed its commitment to assist Chennai’s water needs despite reduced Krishna river inflows due to El Niño.
Earlier this year, Andhra Pradesh had already released 4.08 TMC of water to Chennai. Naidu also praised Vijay’s rapid political rise and youth-driven efforts during the Navaratri Utsav.
Broader River Linking Plan and Government Framework
Naidu proposed linking the Pennar, Godavari, Krishna, Cauvery, and Tungabhadra rivers to benefit Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. While the Godavari and Cauvery rivers do not meet naturally, the National Water Development Agency (NWDA) plans to transfer water across basins rather than enabling river convergence.
In the 2023 Parliamentary session, the Ministry of Jal Shakti stated that the National Perspective Plan (NPP) includes interlinking the Godavari, Krishna, Pennar, and Cauvery basins, with Godavari waters being augmented from Mahanadi and Brahmaputra basins pending state approvals.
The NWDA’s plan involves diverting water from Godavari near Inchampalli in Telangana, routing it to Nagarjuna Sagar Dam on the Krishna River, then moving it south to Somasila reservoir on the Pennar River, and ultimately to the Grand Anicut dam near Thanjavur and Tiruchirappalli on the Cauvery River.
