Veligonda Project Inaugurated in Andhra, Sparks Political Battle Over Credit

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu inaugurated Phase-I of the Veligonda irrigation project on Monday, releasing Krishna water into the Nallamala Sagar reservoir. The event marks a significant step for a project that has been in discussion for nearly three decades.

The state government stated that Phase-I will release approximately 10.70 TMC of Krishna water, providing irrigation to around 1.19 lakh acres and drinking water to nearly four lakh people. Upon full completion, officials estimate the project could irrigate about 4.47 lakh acres, benefiting drought-prone areas in Markapuram, Prakasam, Nellore, and Kadapa districts.

Naidu described the inauguration as the fulfilment of a long-pending dream, recalling that he laid the foundation stone for the project on March 5, 1996, as Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh. His administration has recently accelerated remaining works and disbursed Rs 768 crore in rehabilitation compensation to 6,206 displaced families.

The inauguration, however, has triggered a political confrontation. YSR Congress Party leaders, including former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, assert that Naidu is taking credit for work primarily executed during the tenures of YS Rajasekhara Reddy and Jagan himself. Jagan claimed on X that Veligonda was his father's dream and that the most challenging twin-tunnel works were completed during the YSRCP government. He accused Naidu of attempting to "rewrite the history" of the project.

YSRCP detailed that 20.33 km of tunnel work was completed during the YSR period, 6.686 km during Naidu's 2014-19 government, and the remaining 10.568 km during Jagan's government. In response, TDP working president and Minister Nara Lokesh defended the government, stating that Jagan was claiming credit for a project that had remained incomplete for years. Lokesh argued that the present government completed key pending works and is now delivering water to the people.

While the political debate continues, the primary concern for farmers and families in the drought-hit region remains the timely arrival of water to their fields and homes. For them, Veligonda represents more than a political symbol; it promises improved irrigation, safe drinking water for fluoride-affected villages, and enhanced economic opportunities.