Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to accelerate the implementation of the Godavari-Cauvery-Gundar river interlinking project. In a formal letter dated August 6, 2026, Vijay implored for the project to be classified as one of national importance. This initiative is seen as crucial for securing long-term drinking water and irrigation resources for southern India.

Vijay highlighted the state’s ongoing struggle with a surface water deficit, noting that Tamil Nadu relies on neighbouring states for over thirty per cent of its water supply. He articulated that the proposed river linking serves as a significant opportunity for enhancing the state’s water resources, directly addressing the increasing demand for both drinking water and irrigation.

Within his correspondence, the Chief Minister pointed out that groundwater resources in Tamil Nadu have been exploited to critical levels. Despite rigorous conservation efforts by the state government, various regions are still grappling with groundwater depletion.

Focus on Water Scarcity in Southern Districts

Vijay elaborated on the dire water situation in southern Tamil Nadu, specifically mentioning regions such as Pudukkottai, Sivagangai, Ramanathapuram, and Virudhunagar. These areas are characterised by chronic water scarcity and susceptibility to drought. He reaffirmed the necessity of implementing the Godavari-Cauvery-Vaigai-Gundar project to facilitate the transfer of surplus water from regions with ample resources to those facing deficits.

Emphasising the project’s importance, he noted that the National Water Development Agency (NWDA) has already prepared the Detailed Project Report for the initial phase of this larger interlinking project, which includes the Godavari-Pennar-Palar-Vellar Link. He stressed that this project is intended to benefit multiple states including Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.

However, he expressed concerns over the current alignment of the Detailed Project Report, which reportedly terminates a few kilometres upstream of the Cauvery River. This gap, he stated, must be addressed to fully realise the potential benefits of the project.

Call for National Priority and Collaboration

Vijay called for immediate action on the Godavari-Cauvery-Gundar project. He insisted that this interlinking initiative be prioritised as a project of national significance. He voiced confidence that any differences between the involved states could be resolved through constructive dialogue and cooperative federalism, keeping the broader national interest in mind.

To facilitate this, he proposed the establishment of a dedicated special purpose vehicle involving the Central Government and beneficiary states. This would ensure coordinated implementation, secured funding, and adherence to timelines for completion. The Chief Minister stressed that prompt execution would materially benefit the citizens and agricultural communities in Tamil Nadu and neighbouring states.

In his concluding remarks, Vijay urged Prime Minister Modi to instruct the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the NWDA to expedite consultations with other states. He sought their assistance in reaching a consensus on outstanding issues, finalising the Detailed Project Report for extending the link up to the Kattalai Barrage, and implementing the project as a national priority on a fast-track basis.

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