Chennai, May 30: Tamil Nadu BJP President Nainar Nagendran has reiterated the need for rapid implementation of river linking projects across the country. He emphasized that these initiatives are crucial to tackle the growing water crisis and ensure balanced distribution of water resources among states.
In a statement released on Saturday, Nagendran highlighted the Ken-Betwa river linking project as a significant example of inter-state collaboration. This project aims to transfer surplus water from the Ken River in Madhya Pradesh to the drought-affected Betwa basin in Uttar Pradesh.
He stated that linking rivers is no longer an option but a necessity for the country’s future. According to him, all states, including Tamil Nadu, should fully support such projects in the interest of national welfare.
Nagendran pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently advocated for the balanced and effective use of water resources nationwide. He noted that the Prime Minister believes that delivering water to areas facing shortages is essential for agricultural production, industrial development, and drinking water security.
The BJP leader referenced Modi’s tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat, where the expansion of the Narmada river water distribution network demonstrated that large-scale water management plans can transform drought-affected regions and improve living standards.
He mentioned that the concept of a national river linking plan was envisioned during the government led by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. This ambitious plan proposed linking major rivers such as the Mahanadi, Krishna, Pennar, Cauvery, Vaigai, and Tamiraparani, as well as connecting the Ganga and Brahmaputra basins to achieve a more balanced distribution of water across the country.
Nagendran acknowledged that legal and administrative hurdles have caused significant delays in these projects. However, he noted that after years of judicial processes and policy discussions, a favorable environment has emerged to advance them. He stated that the central government has taken several steps to increase water availability for agriculture, industry, and domestic use.
Addressing Tamil Nadu’s water crisis challenges, he mentioned that the state heavily relies on rivers originating from other states. Therefore, investing in water-sharing infrastructure and fostering better cooperation among states is essential for ensuring long-term water security.
He concluded, “River linking projects should be viewed as a national priority. They are key to addressing recurring droughts, strengthening the agricultural sector, and securing water resources for future generations.”
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