For the optimum use of the nation's river waters, the Madras High Court - in, response to a petition filed by local advocate K S Radhakiishnan - has suggested that all rivers in India be considered national rivers. In his petition, the advocate had sought the diversion Of river waters flowing westward in Kerala to Madras. He noted that some 40,500 million cubic metres (m.c.m) of water out of a yield of 72,320 m.c.m were flowing unutilised into the Arabian sea. This excess water could instead be diVerted into the drought-prone areas of Madras. Kerala has denied that it had this surplus water.