Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu announced on Friday that the Veligonda project is experiencing steady progress, with critical works on the feeder canal and tunnel-2 advancing rapidly under the current coalition government. The minister conducted a detailed inspection of the tunnel and feeder canal, walking along the canal stretch to review construction activities such as lining and retaining wall works while interacting with officials on-site.
Chief Minister's Personal Involvement and Upcoming Initiatives
Ramanaidu revealed that Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will personally supervise and review the Veligonda project works within the next week. Additionally, the CM is scheduled to perform a bhumi puja for the feeder canal lining works, which involves the concrete construction of a 5.3-kilometer retaining wall. This significant component of the project is estimated to cost approximately ₹456 crore. The primary objective of these efforts is to ensure the Nallamala Sagar reservoir is filled before the commencement of the current irrigation season.
Execution Details and Comparative Progress Analysis
Highlighting the execution details, Minister Ramanaidu provided a comprehensive breakdown of the progress achieved under the coalition government. He stated that within just 18 months, 6,579 meters of benching and 3,644 meters of lining works were completed in tunnel-2. In stark contrast, he claimed that during the previous five-year tenure, only 745 meters of benching and 705 meters of lining were accomplished.
Offering a month-wise update, Ramanaidu noted that 504 meters of lining were finished in December, followed by another 312 meters in January, bringing the total to 816 meters in a short span. He emphasized that the work completed in just 50 days under the current administration matched what had been achieved over the last five years.
Future Plans and Risk Mitigation Strategies
The minister indicated that once necessary approvals are received from the government, the removal of the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) from tunnel-2 will commence immediately. Furthermore, the feeder canal lining and retaining wall works, executed at a cost of ₹456 crore, are targeted for completion by June.
Experts had previously warned that even a flow of 10 cusecs through the unlined canal could breach bunds and inundate nearby villages. The present government is addressing this risk through comprehensive strengthening works to enhance safety and reliability.
Political Criticisms and Allegations
Ramanaidu strongly criticized former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, accusing him of misleading the public by inauguring works that were far from complete. He alleged that Reddy claimed to dedicate the project to the nation without delivering even a drop of water to farmers in Prakasam district. According to Ramanaidu, such actions constitute an unforgivable mistake and a betrayal that the people will not forget.
Inspection Attendees and Project Oversight
During the inspection, several key officials were present to oversee the progress. Attendees included Markapuram MLA Kandula Narayana Reddy, Yerragondapalem TDP in-charge Erickshan Babu, irrigation advisor Venkateswara Rao, Markapuram joint collectors Puli Srinivasulu, project SE Abutalem, executive engineers, agency representatives, and other senior officials. Their collective presence underscores the high priority given to the Veligonda project's timely and efficient completion.
