Amit Shah Calls for Time-Bound Resolution of Southern States’ Water Disputes
Mahabalipuram: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah has called for an early and mutually acceptable resolution of pending water-sharing issues among southern states, saying water security is critical to the region’s agricultural, industrial and environmental development.
Addressing the 31st meeting of the Southern Zonal Council in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, Shah said the progress of southern India is closely linked to the availability of water. He urged the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Ministry of Home Affairs, Inter-State Council and concerned state governments to hold joint discussions and find constructive solutions to outstanding disputes. The participating southern states agreed to pursue the issues through dialogue.
Shah also highlighted the Centre’s efforts to make Zonal Councils more effective platforms for resolving inter-state matters. Since 2014, 70 Zonal Council meetings have been held and around 80 per cent of the 1,869 issues taken up have been resolved, according to the government. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana also agreed to address pending matters relating to the division of assets and liabilities in consultation with the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The Home Minister further called for greater attention to fast-track courts for cases involving crimes against women and children, reduction of school dropout rates, and tackling malnutrition and stunting. He also stressed the need for coordinated action under the Centre’s three-year roadmap for building a drug-free India, calling for participation from both Central and state departments.