Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday asserted in Karnataka that India would witness unprecedented progress if the Ganga and Cauvery rivers were interconnected through a national river-linking network.
Addressing a public gathering after inaugurating 33 newly installed crest gates at the Tungabhadra Project, Naidu pointed to the successful linking of rivers in northern India through the Ken-Betwa project connecting parts of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
"If the Ganga and Cauvery rivers are interconnected, India will become unstoppable," Naidu said, adding that linking the Godavari and Cauvery rivers would help meet the water requirements of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Telangana.
Highlighting concerns over declining water inflows into the Tungabhadra and Almatti reservoirs due to the impact of the El Nino weather phenomenon, the chief minister stressed the importance of conserving water resources this year and reiterated the need for large-scale river interlinking initiatives.
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According to Naidu, states should first focus on connecting rivers within their own territories before moving towards inter-state river-linking projects that can benefit multiple regions.
He also noted that under the leadership of Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil, the chief ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka had come together to discuss measures aimed at improving the welfare of farmers across the region.
Recalling the damage caused when the 19th gate of the Tungabhadra Dam was washed away in 2024, Naidu said a stop-lock gate had been installed as a temporary solution, paving the way for a more comprehensive restoration effort.
He further stated that all 33 new crest gates have now been successfully installed, restoring the dam's operational strength and efficiency. Naidu praised the coordinated efforts of the three states in completing the project, saying their cooperation had helped revive the Tungabhadra Dam and secure the interests of thousands of farmers who depend on its waters for irrigation and livelihood.
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