The Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh emphasised the importance of cooperative federalism. <br/><br/>Speaking at the 26th meeting of the Southern Zonal Council in Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh Mr. Singh said that the forum of Zonal Council is one of the significant means to achieve the goal of cooperative federalism that holds the key for the growth and progress of the country. He said the country is facing serious challenges from Left wing Extremism which needs to be countered effectively and collectively with the States. The Union Home Minister said coastal security in the Southern States needs to be strengthened. <br/><br/>Earlier, the Union Home Minister expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the victims whose lives have been lost in the most devastating floods witnessed in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry recently. <br/><br/>He assured that the Union Government will continue to do everything possible to ameliorate the sufferings of the people affected by the floods and in providing relief and rehabilitation operations. <br/>The Southern Zonal Council meet took stock of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) prepared by the Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA) for Chennai-Bangalore Industrial Corridor (CBIC) project. <br/><br/>A status report of the DPR prepared by JICA is circulated in the Council meet and the same is discussed in detail. The Government of Andhra Pradesh, on its part, informed that the CBIC alignment incorporates Naidupeta-Tirupati-Pileru-Madanapally-Kolar-Bangalore Corridor. This area being within the hinterland of Krishnapatnam, would facilitate the decongestion of the corridor through Krishnapatnam Port. <br/><br/>The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) was advised to take the views of the member States into account on development of Peninsular Region Industrial Development Corridor while finalising project plan. <br/><br/>The meeting also discussed various issues pertaining to Centre – State relations and Inter-State relations towards finding solutions and improving relations, besides addressing a host of developmental issues like infrastructure, health, security, safeguarding minority rights with better coordination and cooperation between the Centre and the States. <br/> <br/>The meeting of the Council ended with the decision to host the next meeting at Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala.