Chandrababu Naidu inaugurates Veligonda irrigation project after 28-year wait

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will release water into the Poola Subbaiah Veligonda irrigation project on August 31, marking the operational start of a scheme he first launched as foundation stone exactly 28 years ago in March 1996. The ceremony at Gantavanipalli in Dornala mandal, Markapuram district, will conclude decades of technical and financial hurdles that stalled one of the state's most ambitious water-diversion plans.

First phase to serve 1.19 lakh acres

Phase-I will discharge 10.70 tmc ft of Krishna river water into Nallamala Sagar, irrigating approximately 1.19 lakh acres and supplying drinking water to 4 lakh people across drought-prone parts of Markapuram, Prakasam, Nellore and Kadapa districts. The region has long grappled with erratic rainfall, groundwater depletion and fluoride contamination.

The project uses gravity to divert water from the Srisailam reservoir on the Krishna, stores it in Nallamala Sagar, and distributes it through main canals for irrigation and domestic use. At full capacity, Veligonda will irrigate 4.47 lakh acres and provide drinking water to 23 lakh people, including residents of fluoride-affected areas, across 30 mandals.

Compensation drive unlocks final works

After taking office in 2024, the coalition government prioritised completion and disbursed ₹768 crore in compensation to displaced families within 48 days. An additional ₹169 crore has been allocated for those omitted from gazette or beneficiary lists, plus ₹2 lakh each for individuals who turned 18 after 2019. Officials say the resettlement push cleared the way for tunnel construction, feeder canals, head regulators and allied structures that had stalled since 1996.

Agriculture, migration in focus

Assured irrigation is expected to reduce farmer uncertainty, enable crop diversification and lower groundwater dependence, creating openings in horticulture, agro-processing and food processing, according to officials. The resulting rural employment opportunities may help curb migration from the region.

The state government has branded Monday's event "Velugonda Jala Sirulu, Abhivruddhiki Rekkalu" (Veligonda Waters, Wings for Development) and plans a grand-scale inauguration. Naidu will perform puja ceremonies, unveil an inauguration pylon, open project gates and address a public meeting after formally releasing water.

Source: The Hindu