Amit Shah chairs 31st Southern Zonal Council meeting

Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired the 31st Southern Zonal Council meeting in Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu, to address regional cooperation and inter-state issues. The council brought together leaders from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana, along with representatives from the Union Territories of Puducherry, Lakshadweep, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Inter-state water disputes, including those involving the Cauvery, Mullaperiyar, Krishna, and Godavari rivers, were a primary focus. Amit Shah emphasized the need for faster resolutions through dialogue, noting that water availability is critical for agriculture, industry, and public health. He suggested that pending disputes be addressed through joint meetings involving the Union Ministries of Jal Shakti and Home Affairs, the Inter-State Council, and the affected states.

In addition to water rights, the meeting covered topics such as power transmission tariffs, coastal security, fiscal devolution, delimitation, and regional development.