After 30-Year Wait, Naidu Opens First Phase of Veligonda Irrigation Project

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu inaugurated the first phase of the Poola Subbaiah Veligonda irrigation project on Monday, releasing Krishna river water into the Nallamala Sagar at Gantavanipalli in Prakasam district. The ceremony, held under the theme 'Velugonda Jala Sirulu – Abhivruddhiki Rekkalu' (Velugonda Waters – Wings for Development), marked the culmination of a promise first made three decades ago.

Naidu had laid the foundation stone for the project on March 5, 1996, during his earlier tenure as Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh. The project is designed to divert Krishna waters from the Srisailam reservoir through gravity, storing them in Nallamala Sagar for distribution via main canals.

Once fully operational, the project will provide irrigation to 4.47 lakh acres across 30 mandals in Prakasam, Markapuram, Nellore, and Kadapa districts. Around 23 lakh people, including those in fluoride-affected areas, are expected to benefit from the drinking water component.

With the inauguration of Phase-I, 10.70 tmc ft of Krishna water will be released, enabling irrigation for approximately 1.19 lakh acres and supplying drinking water to 4 lakh people. Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan noted that the project will also serve as the primary source for the water grid scheme under the Jal Jeevan Mission in Markapuram and Prakasam districts.

The region has long suffered from inadequate rainfall, depleted groundwater, and fluoride contamination. Officials say the project will reduce uncertainty for farmers, facilitate crop diversification, and reduce dependence on groundwater, potentially boosting horticulture and agro-processing industries while curbing rural migration.

The project faced numerous technical and financial hurdles since 1996, including tunnel construction, feeder canal work, and land acquisition. After the coalition government assumed office in 2024, work was expedited. The government disbursed ₹768 crore in compensation to displaced families within 48 days, with over 7,300 people having lost homes and lands. A total of ₹905 crore has been released for compensation, along with ₹169 crore for those not included in earlier beneficiary lists.

Naidu arrived at the venue in Dornala mandal on Monday morning, performed special puja ceremonies, unveiled the pylon, and formally opened the project gates to release water.