Vijay heads to Vijayawada for crucial talks with Chandrababu Naidu on Chennai’s water supply

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay is set to meet Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu in Vijayawada on Tuesday to discuss the Godavari-Cauvery river-linking proposal and the release of Krishna river water for Chennai

The meeting assumes importance as Chennai faces concerns over its drinking water availability amid persistent hot weather and the possibility of a summer shortage. Tamil Nadu is seeking its allocated share of water from Andhra Pradesh to strengthen supplies to the city and its neighbouring areas.

Under the Telugu Ganga project, Andhra Pradesh is expected to provide Tamil Nadu with 12 thousand million cubic feet (TMC ft) of Krishna water annually. The arrangement provides for the release of 8 TMC ft from Kandaleru reservoir between July and October, followed by another 4 TMC ft from January to April.

The water forms an important part of Chennai’s drinking water supply. However, Tamil Nadu has repeatedly raised concerns over receiving less than the agreed quantity.

Vijay is expected to fly from Chennai to Gannavaram Airport before proceeding to the Kanaka Durga Temple for darshan. He is then scheduled to meet Naidu at the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister’s residence between 6 pm and 7 pm. His programme also includes participation in Utsav events at Punnami Ghat