Veligonda Project Is a Living Proof of the Coalition Government’s Resolve - Deputy CM

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan welcomed the commencement of the first phase of the historic Veligonda Project, which will carry Krishna waters through the Nallamala hills to drought-affected regions. He said the launch of the Sri Pula Subbaiah Veligonda Project fulfils a decades-old aspiration of people in Markapur, Prakasam, Kadapa and Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore districts. The first phase is expected to provide irrigation water to 1.19 lakh acres and drinking water to around four lakh people. Pawan Kalyan congratulated the engineers, officials, public representatives, farmers’ organisations and other groups that contributed to the project over the past three decades.

The Deputy CM said more than 7,300 people were displaced after losing their homes and lands for the project. The coalition government has released ₹905 crore towards compensation, of which ₹768 crore has already been paid to the displaced families, he said. Pawan Kalyan noted that N. Chandrababu Naidu laid the foundation stone for the project in 1996 as the Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh, making its first-phase launch under his leadership particularly significant. He added that Veligonda will serve as a key water source for the Mega Water Grid being implemented in Markapur and Prakasam districts and will support the goal of providing safe drinking water to households. He also thanked Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu, officials and the displaced families for their contributions and sacrifices.