Home Minister calls for early resolution of pending water-related issues in south India
He says linking major rivers, such as the Brahmaputra and the Cauvery and the Godavari, could ensure India faces no water shortage for the next 100 years; he also calls for swift investigation of cases of rape against women and children while addressing the 31st Southern Zonal Council meeting
Union Home Minister Amit Shah urged for prompt resolution of water-related disputes in southern India at the 31st Southern Zonal Council meeting on August 20, 2026. He emphasized joint meetings among the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Ministry of Home Affairs, Inter-State Council, and the respective States. Shah stated that while protecting a State's interests was valid, denying other States water access for years was unacceptable.
He proposed linking major rivers like the Brahmaputra, Cauvery, and Godavari to prevent water shortages for the next 100 years and create more waterways for fuel savings, environmental benefits, and cost-effective transportation. Shah highlighted that a dispute-free North India was achieved by resolving river-sharing issues from Kashmir to Uttar Pradesh.
Southern States concurred with his suggestion to resolve pending disputes through mutual dialogue and solutions. They also agreed to address the division of assets and liabilities between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in consultation with the Union Home Ministry. The Home Minister identified south India as a vital region for national development, contributing significantly to sectors like information technology, automobiles, pharmaceuticals, and infrastructure.
He called for swift action against crimes against women and children and urged the implementation of Fast Track Special Courts for rape and POCSO Act cases. The Home Minister outlined a three-year road map for a drug-free India and stressed the need for all Central and State departments to collaborate. Naidu emphasized the potential of southern States to form a $10 trillion economy by 2047 through greater cooperation.
He proposed a heritage, tourism, and pilgrimage circuit connecting major southern cities with Varanasi, Ayodhya, and the Char Dham destinations. Naidu advocated for river-interlinking as a long-term solution to water security and suggested transferring surplus floodwaters from the Godavari-Krishna-Penna-Cauvery basin to benefit southern States.
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