Three decades after laying stone, Chandrababu Naidu to inaugurate first phase of Veligonda irrigation project on August 31

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on August 31, 2026, inaugurated the first phase of the Poola Subbaiah Veligonda irrigation project at Gantavanipalli in Dornala mandal, releasing Krishna river water into Nallamala Sagar. The landmark event fulfills a three-decade-old promise to bring water to drought-prone regions across Markapuram, Prakasam, Nellore, and Kadapa districts. Naidu had originally laid the foundation stone for the project on March 5, 1996, during his tenure as Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh.

With the inauguration of Phase-I, the state government released 10.70 tmc ft of Krishna water into the Nallamala Sagar reservoir. This initial phase will provide irrigation to approximately 1.19 lakh acres of farmland and deliver drinking water to 4 lakh residents. Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan noted that the project will also serve as the main water source for the Jal Jeevan Mission water grid scheme across Markapuram and Prakasam districts.

The inauguration ceremony was organized under the official theme Velugonda Jala Sirulu – Abhivruddhiki Rekkalu, which translates to Veligonda Waters – Wings for Development. Upon arriving at the venue in Dornala mandal, Naidu participated in special puja ceremonies, unveiled the project pylon, and officially opened the gates to release water into the main canals.

Reflecting on the milestone, Naidu stated that Veligonda is not just a project, but a promise to farmers battling drought, health security for families afflicted by fluoride contamination, and a future for youth facing rural migration. He saluted the displaced residents of 11 villages who sacrificed their homes and ancestral lands for the public work.

Once fully operational, the Veligonda project is designed to divert Krishna river waters from the Srisailam reservoir through gravity tunnels into Nallamala Sagar. At full capacity, the scheme will irrigate 4.47 lakh acres across 30 mandals in Prakasam, Markapuram, Nellore, and Kadapa districts. It will also supply drinking water to approximately 23 lakh people, addressing severe groundwater depletion and widespread fluoride contamination in the region.

The project faced decades of technical, financial, and construction challenges involving complex underground tunnel drilling, head regulators, and rehabilitation programs. Prioritizing its completion after taking office in 2024, the coalition government accelerated construction and fast-tracked compensation. The government disbursed 768 crore rupees in compensation within 48 days as part of a 905 crore rupee overall package for more than 7,300 displaced individuals, alongside additional financial relief for unlisted affected residents.

State officials expect the availability of surface water to reduce agricultural uncertainty, facilitate crop diversification, and spur growth in horticulture and agro-processing industries. The permanent water supply is anticipated to boost rural employment and significantly reduce outward migration from the drought-affected districts.

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