Tamil Nadu has said that if inter-state water disputes were not resolved in time, it could threaten the integrity of the nation in the decades to come.

"Our existing institutional arrangements for managing inter-state rivers seem to have broken down. Unless we create effective institutional arrangements, sharing of river waters is likely to become a source of internal conflict," Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi [ Images ] told the National Development Council meeting in New Delhi [ Images ] on Tuesday.

Constitution provided for nationalization of inter-state rivers within the competence of the Centre, he said, adding that nationalization offered the only long-term solution to this 'serious problem' and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh [ Images ] must initiate action on this.

Noting that Tamil Nadu has been depending on Karnataka [ Images ], Kerala [ Images ] and Andhra Pradesh for its requirements of water for drinking and agriculture, he said, "We have been talking of haves and have-nots for long; but these surplus states have been reluctant to spare the natural resources to their sister-state, which is very much water-starved."

"This does not speak well of our federal structure. Though a surgery is called for to solve the present crisis, even a healing dose has not been made available so far to Tamil Nadu," Karunanidhi said, seeking Centre's support to the state.

The chief minister said that the project for inter-linking rivers should be included and funded as part of the agriculture strategy of the Eleventh Plan. He also urged the Centre to extend Special Central Assistance for a scheme to promote agro-forestry, horticulture and water-efficient crops in the state.