DK Shivakumar Tells Vijay Mekedatu Will Help Tamil Nadu, Puducherry
River water sharing issues between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu and Keralam are among the most pressing issues the leaders have to address between themselves
Thiruvananthapuram: Interstate concerns and camaraderie are finding space to communicate at the 31st Southern Zonal Council meeting in Chennai, led by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The Southern Zonal Council comprises the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Keralam, Tamil Nadu and Telangana, and the Union Territories of Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.
River water sharing issues between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu and Keralam are among the most pressing issues the leaders have to address between themselves.
Karnataka CM Shivakumar flagged the issue of the Mekedatu project, stressing that it is important not only for his state, but for Tamil Nadu as well.
"While walking to the meeting, senior leader and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu ji told me that we need to solve the Cauvery water issue between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Let me assure you, every drop of water from the Mekedatu project will help farmers in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Help us help you," he said.
Tamil Nadu has been opposed to the balancing reservoir across the river Cauvery, saying it will harm the state's interests if implemented.
Meanwhile, in a social media post, Shivakumar, referring to the key meeting, said it was an opportunity to engage with the chief ministers, their deputies, ministers and senior officials from across the southern region.
Shared priorities and issues concerning the progress, development and interests of the region were discussed, he said. Karnataka remains committed to working together with its neighbouring states to strengthen the South and contribute to a stronger India.
"Glad to interact with Keralam CM, Telangana Deputy CM, Telangana Agriculture Minister Thummala Nageswara Rao along with our Home Minister Priyank Kharge ahead of the Council meeting."
"Exchanged views on our shared priorities and the issues that are important to the progress and development of our region."
Keralam Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Thursday said he had a key interaction with his Tamil Nadu counterpart C Joseph Vijay on the sidelines of the 31st Southern Zonal Council meeting in Chennai. Sharing photographs of the interaction on social media platform X, Satheesan said in a post, "On the sidelines of the Southern Zonal Council meeting in Mahabalipuram, Chennai, had a key interaction with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay. P K Kunhalikutty (Minister for Industries and Information Technology of Keralam) was also present."
