Continued from P1

Chairing the 31st meeting of the Southern Zonal Council at Mahabalipuram, Shah stressed the need for early resolution of pending water-related issues concerning southern states through mutual dialogues and joint meetings involving the Union Ministries of Jal Shakti, Home Affairs, the Inter-State Council, and the respective states.

The southern states agreed with the Home Minister’s suggestion to resolve these pending water disputes expeditiously through mutual dialogue and constructive solutions. Shah said that since 2014, efforts have been made to transform the Zonal Council into a meaningful platform.

Regarding the issues concerning the division of assets and liabilities between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, both states agreed to resolve these matters in consultation with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Shah said in his address at the meeting.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, who serves as the council’s vice-chairman, personally welcomed Shah upon his arrival. The two leaders also held a brief interaction before the meeting began. During the proceedings, Vijay was seated alongside Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. Representatives from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Telangana took part in the meeting.