Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay is expected to visit Vijayawada on October 13 to meet Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu over the shortfall in Krishna River water supplied to Tamil Nadu. The proposed meeting is expected to focus on water-sharing arrangements under the Telugu Ganga project, concerns over proposed dams on rivers flowing into Tamil Nadu and possible river-linking initiatives. The discussions come amid concerns over Chennai’s drinking water requirements and the quantity of Krishna water received by Tamil Nadu so far this year.

Under the Telugu Ganga project agreement, Andhra Pradesh is required to supply 12 thousand million cubic feet (TMC) of Krishna River water annually to Tamil Nadu at the interstate border. However, Tamil Nadu had received only 2.251 TMC by October 9, according to reports. The shortfall has prompted concerns over the state’s water requirements and is expected to be a key issue during the proposed discussions. The two chief ministers are likely to review the supply position and consider Tamil Nadu’s requirements for the remainder of the year.

Vijay is also expected to raise concerns over Andhra Pradesh’s reported plans to construct dams across rivers that flow into Tamil Nadu. The Tamil Nadu government is concerned about the possible implications of such projects for water availability downstream. The proposed talks could provide an opportunity for both states to discuss their respective requirements and examine the potential impact of infrastructure projects on interstate water flows. However, details of any proposed measures or commitments will depend on the outcome of the discussions.

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River interlinking is another issue expected to feature in the meeting, as both states face challenges relating to water availability and distribution. The proposal to connect river systems has been discussed by political leaders as a possible way to improve the movement and utilisation of water resources across southern India. Any such initiative would require detailed planning and coordination between the states concerned, along with consideration of technical, environmental and interstate water-sharing issues.

During the proposed visit, Vijay is also expected to meet Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and other state ministers. The discussions are likely to cover water-sharing concerns and related proposals affecting Tamil Nadu. However, reports indicate that the Tamil Nadu government had not officially confirmed the visit and meetings as of October 10. The final schedule and agenda therefore remain subject to confirmation by the authorities.

The proposed meeting comes after Vijay’s planned visit to Karnataka in August to discuss the Cauvery water dispute was cancelled amid protests by Kannada organisations opposing water releases to Tamil Nadu. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar had requested that the visit be postponed. The upcoming talks with Andhra Pradesh would bring another interstate water issue to the forefront, with Tamil Nadu seeking discussions on Krishna water supplies and the implications of proposed dam projects.

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