Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Visits Kanaka Durga Temple, Attends Vijayawada Utsav

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay visited the famous Sri Kanaka Durga Temple in Vijayawada and offered special prayers during the Navaratri festivities before meeting Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to seek additional Krishna River water for Chennai and push for the proposed Godavari–Cauvery river-linking project.

CM Vijay met CM Chandrababu at his residence in Undavalli, Guntur district, during his maiden visit to Vijayawada since assuming office. Their discussions focused on Chennai’s drinking water security, interstate water-sharing arrangements and long-term solutions to water scarcity across southern India.

CM Vijay highlighted that storage levels in Chennai’s five major reservoirs stood at only around 35 per cent and requested additional Krishna River water. He also pointed out that Tamil Nadu depended on neighbouring states for more than 30 per cent of its water requirements because of its limited surface water resources.

Responding to the request, CM Chandrababu said Andhra Pradesh would consider releasing additional water based on availability and requirements, while reiterating its commitment to Chennai’s drinking water needs. He noted that reduced Krishna River inflows due to the impact of El Niño had contributed to severe water scarcity this year. Andhra Pradesh had already released 4.08 thousand million cubic feet (TMC) of water to Chennai, he said.

The discussions also covered the proposed Godavari–Cauvery river-linking project. CM Vijay described it as a long-term opportunity to improve surface water availability, support agriculture and strengthen drinking water security across southern India. He informed CM Chandrababu that he had already requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to declare the project one of national importance.

CM Chandrababu backed river interlinking, describing it as a potential permanent solution to drought. He said connecting the Godavari, Krishna, Cauvery and Penna rivers could benefit all four southern states. Progress would require interstate coordination and the necessary technical, financial and administrative clearances. Officials from both states also discussed other matters of mutual interest.

Following the meeting, both chief ministers attended Vijayawada Utsav 2.0 at Punnami Ghat. Welcoming CM Vijay, CM Chandrababu spoke about his political rise and development goals for Tamil Nadu, expressed confidence in India’s youth and praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He voiced confidence that India would become the world’s leading nation by 2047.

CM Vijay expressed happiness at participating in the Navaratri celebrations, extended festive greetings and thanked CM Chandrababu and the people of Andhra Pradesh for their hospitality. Earlier, priests had welcomed him at the Kanaka Durga Temple and performed special prayers.

Tamil Nadu Water Resources Minister N. Anand, Public Works Minister Aadhav Arjuna, Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh, Minister Ponguru Narayana and senior officials attended the engagements. CM Vijay returned to Chennai on Tuesday night.