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Shah Calls for Faster Resolution of Southern Water Disputes

Shah Calls for Faster Resolution of Southern Water Disputes
Amid Cauvery row, HM Amit Shah calls for early resolution of water disputes · wionews.com

Amit Shah held a meeting with leaders from southern Indian States.

He asked them to solve water-sharing disagreements more quickly.

The States agreed to use talks and joint meetings to find solutions.

The discussion took place while the Cauvery dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu had resurfaced.

Shah said water is important for farming, factories, people’s health and nature.

He also suggested linking major rivers to help prevent shortages and create cheaper waterways.

Leaders discussed faster trials for rape and POCSO cases, reducing school dropouts and fighting malnutrition.

They also considered a joint plan to prevent drug use and settle issues between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Key facts

Meeting
The 31st meeting of the Southern Zonal Council was held in Mamallapuram.
Issues resolved
Shah said 1,445 of 1,869 issues discussed by Zonal Councils since 2014 had been resolved, or about 80%.
Water proposal
Shah called for joint meetings involving the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Ministry of Home Affairs, the Inter-State Council and the concerned States.
River linking
He said linking major rivers, including the Brahmaputra, Cauvery and Godavari, could help prevent water shortages and support cheaper transportation.
Andhra Pradesh-Telangana
Both States agreed to resolve outstanding asset and liability matters in consultation with the Ministry of Home Affairs.
School dropouts
Shah cited a national school dropout ratio of 9.5 and called for reducing it below 3%.
Justice and welfare
The meeting addressed Fast Track Special Courts for rape and POCSO cases, malnutrition, stunting and drug prevention.

Quotes

Indian Home Minister Amit Shah

Indian Home Minister, chair of the Southern Zonal Council meeting

“"The southern states are the main pillars of the country’s progress, and the progress of the region depends on water: whether it is agriculture, industry, healthy citizens or the environment."”
wionews.com

Sources

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