Chief Minister Naidu Commits to Timely Completion of Veligonda Irrigation Project
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has made a firm commitment to complete the Veligonda project, which is poised to transform the drought-affected regions of Markapuram, Prakasam, and Nellore districts in Andhra Pradesh. He assured that all pending works will be taken up on a priority basis to ensure the project is finished within a strict timeline.
Financial Requirements and Progress Details
Addressing a public meeting after laying the foundation stone for ₹456 crore feeder canal lining works at Gantavani Palli in Dornala mandal on Wednesday, Naidu disclosed that an additional ₹2,000 to ₹2,540 crore is required for the project's completion. He emphasized that funds are being actively mobilized to expedite execution and avoid delays.
The total estimated cost of the Veligonda project stands at ₹9,081 crore. Of this amount, ₹5,451 crore has already been expended, including significant allocations for land acquisition and rehabilitation. Specifically, ₹484 crore was spent on land acquisition, while ₹184 crore went toward rehabilitation and resettlement efforts. Notably, ₹540 crore was invested in the last 20 months alone to accelerate pending works and push the project forward.
Project Scope and Benefits
Planned in two distinct phases, the Veligonda project is designed to irrigate approximately 4.35 lakh acres of agricultural land. This initiative is expected to bring substantial benefits to several key constituencies, including:
- Giddalur
- Yerragondapalem
- Kanigiri
- Udayagiri
- Kadapa
- Badvel
Naidu highlighted that only 53 TMC of water is necessary for the Veligonda project, contrasting this with the large volumes of floodwater from the Godavari and Krishna rivers that flow into the sea annually. He pointed out that this represents a significant opportunity for water resource management in the region.
Additional Water Infrastructure Initiatives
The government is concurrently working on linking Godavari waters to Nallamala Sagar, with a targeted completion date set for July this year. Naidu reiterated that the Polavaram project would be completed before the 2027 Godavari Pushkarams, underscoring the administration's focus on major irrigation endeavors.
Welfare and Development Announcements
During his address, the Chief Minister announced several key initiatives aimed at bolstering infrastructure and welfare:
- ₹50 crore allocated for a new district collectorate complex.
- ₹1,300 crore dedicated to providing drinking water through Nallamala Sagar, including areas affected by fluoride contamination.
Naidu also highlighted the government's "super six" assurances, which encompass a range of welfare programs:
- ₹34,000 crore disbursed under NTR Bharosa pensions.
- Support for farmers through the Annadata Sukhibhava scheme.
- Free cylinders for women under Deepam 2.0.
- Financial aid for students under Thalliki Vandanam.
He affirmed that welfare and development are being pursued simultaneously, with investments worth ₹20 lakh crore attracted to generate employment opportunities for the youth.
Operational Reviews and Transparency Measures
Naidu conducted a review of tunnel and field-level works via video conference and engaged directly with farmers to understand their concerns. He announced that land records are being updated through fresh surveys and the implementation of QR-coded passbooks to ensure transparency and accuracy in land management.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu, Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar, Social Welfare Minister Dr. DBV Swamy, along with various legislators and senior leaders, demonstrating broad support for the project's advancement.
