Act: Kalam to Governors

The governors, he said, should play a more active role for better networking between the states and in the distribution of natural resources, like river water. With a clear hint towards the Cauvery water crisis which saw Tamil Nadu and Karnataka at loggerheads, Kalam asked the governors to play mediators between states to facilitate the linking of river systems in the country.

Urging them to help build a consensus for the river-linking project which Prime Minister Vajpayee announced in the last session of Parliament, the President said it will go a long way in tackling the flood and drought conditions. The President called for setting up a water mission to offset the regional hydro imbalance and said: ‘‘It is essential that the governors and the governments in the states work harmoniously to achieve integrated development.’’ He also asked the governors to play a positive role in bringing about unity of minds.