Southern states supported Home Minister Amit Shah’s call for quicker solutions to interstate water disputes. The 31st Southern Zonal Council meeting also discussed Lok Sabha seat delimitation. Shah chaired the meeting and stressed dialogue over prolonged disputes. He said protecting state interests remains legitimate, but endless water deprivation serves nobody. Meanwhile, unused water flowing into oceans cannot benefit any state.
Shah proposed connecting major rivers from Brahmaputra towards Cauvery and Godavari. He said such links could protect India from water shortages for the next century. Additionally, the projects could support development of several waterways. Shah noted that five of eight northern river disputes predated British rule. Five months ago, authorities reached final agreements on those matters. He said officials resolved all disputes from Kashmir to Uttar Pradesh.
Delimitation becomes the biggest concern for southern states
Southern states fear population-based seat redistribution could reduce their political representation. Karnataka and Tamil Nadu demanded that Parliament retain 543 Lok Sabha seats for another 25 years. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar sought a council resolution supporting these demands. He also sought continued use of the 1971 Census for delimitation. Furthermore, he proposed women’s reservation within the existing seats.
Shivakumar assured Tamil Nadu about its interests during the proposed Mekedatu dam project. He gave this assurance in Amit Shah’s presence. However, Tamil Nadu’s minister clarified that the Cauvery dispute received no discussion. He also ruled out discussion on tribunal-related Cauvery matters.
States raise infrastructure, water and federal cooperation demands
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu proposed a bullet train corridor linking Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. He suggested routing it through Kuppam. He also proposed transit connectivity between Amaravati, Bengaluru and Chennai. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana agreed to resolve asset and liability issues through Home Ministry discussions.
Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satishan raised the Mullaperiyar dam issue. He also sought cooperative federalism covering health, infrastructure, environmental protection and regional security.
Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka sought protection for the state’s Krishna river water rights. He also requested central support for major irrigation projects. Puducherry Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan sought year-round water availability. He requested cooperation from neighbouring states, especially Tamil Nadu. Finally, he called for an integrated surface-water system.
