Tamil Nadu CM urges Godavari-Cauvery link

India — Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging the Union government to expedite the Godavari-Cauvery-Gundar river interlinking project, describing it as a project of national importance crucial for the state's long-term water security. Vijay highlighted that India — Tamil Nadu is inherently deficient in surface water resources, depending on neighbouring states for over 30% of its water needs, and that southern districts such as Pudukkottai, Sivagangai, Ramanathapuram and Virudhunagar are chronically drought-prone. He noted that the India — National Water Development Agency has prepared a Detailed Project Report for the Godavari-Pennar-Palar-Vellar link as Phase I, but the alignment currently terminates a few kilometres upstream of the Cauvery River. Vijay requested that the DPR be extended to the Kattalai Barrage, that the project be granted 'National Project' status, and that a dedicated Special Purpose Vehicle be established for coordinated implementation. He also urged the Prime Minister to direct the India — Ministry of Jal Shakti and the NWDA to expedite consultations with stakeholder states including India — Telangana, India — Andhra Pradesh and India — Karnataka. In a separate letter to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Vijay flagged the arrest of 11 Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy and sought intervention for their release, also calling for revival of bilateral dialogues through the Joint Working Group.