🌊 Vijay and Naidu Discuss Godavari–Krishna–Cauvery River Linking

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Alongside Chennai’s immediate drinking water needs, Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu discussed the long-term idea of linking the Godavari and Cauvery rivers at their meeting in Undavalli on Tuesday, October 13, 2026 (PTI, NewsMeter).

“I came to Vijayawada to discuss rivers interlinking with CM Chandrababu,” Vijay said later in the evening (ThePrint / PTI).

Naidu: “A Permanent Solution to Drought”

Naidu described linking the Godavari and Cauvery as a permanent solution to drought, and said that connecting the Godavari, Krishna, Cauvery and Penna rivers would benefit four southern states (ThePrint / PTI). He stressed the need for water security across the region (NewsMeter).

Speaking at the Vijayawada Utsav later that night, Naidu said linking rivers is the best way to end drought, that the Godavari–Cauvery link would be implemented, and that it could be made possible with the support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi (TV9 Tamil).

Where the Plan Stands

The idea is to move surplus Godavari water southwards through a chain of canals and reservoirs into the Krishna, Penna and Cauvery basins. The Centre has studied such a series of links, but key aspects still depend on agreement among the states and on technical studies (NewsMeter). No new approval or timeline was announced on Tuesday.

• Godavari — the surplus river in the north of Andhra Pradesh.
• Krishna — the source of Chennai’s Telugu Ganga water.
• Penna — runs through Rayalaseema and southern Andhra.
• Cauvery — Tamil Nadu’s lifeline for the delta and drinking water.

Why It Matters for Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu sits at the tail end of the Cauvery and depends on neighbouring states for much of its water. A Godavari–Cauvery link could bring fresh water into the Cauvery basin from the north rather than relying only on releases from upstream. Starting the conversation directly with Naidu — who has long championed river interlinking — gives Tamil Nadu a partner on a project that will need years of planning, clearances and central funding.

For now, the talks mark the start of cooperation between the two Chief Ministers. Concrete steps, such as joint technical committees or a proposal to the Centre, will show how far the idea moves.

Sources: ThePrint (PTI); NewsMeter; DT Next (PTI); TV9 Tamil; Deccan Chronicle.

River Linking Godavari Cauvery Chandrababu Naidu Water Security Day 156