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

A view of the feeder canal of the Poola Subbaiah Veligonda irrigation project ahead of its inauguration in Markapuram district. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will inaugurate the first phase of Poola Subbaiah Veligonda irrigation project and release water on August 31 (Monday), fulfilling the three-decade dream of people of the drought-prone areas of Markapuram, Prakasam, Nellore and Kadapa districts.A historic moment will unfold as Mr. Naidu, who had laid the foundation stone for the project on March 5, 1996 as Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh, will inaugurate the project’s first phase three decades later, according to a press release.The State government is organising the inauguration ceremony on a grand scale under the theme — ‘Velugonda Jala Sirulu – Abhivruddhiki Rekkalu’ (Velugonda Waters – Wings for Development).How water flowsAccording to the release, the region has suffered for decades from inadequate rainfall, depleted groundwater, fluoride contamination and shortage of irrigation water. The project has been designed to divert Krishna river waters from the Srisailam reservoir through gravity, store them in Nallamala Sagar and utilise them through the main canals for irrigation and drinking water requirements.Once the Veligonda project becomes fully operational, it will provide irrigation to 4.47 lakh acres and benefit people in 30 mandals across Prakasam, Markapuram, Nellore and Kadapa districts. Around 23 lakh people,, including those living in fluoride-affected areas, will benefit from the drinking water component.With the inauguration of Phase-I of the project, 10.70 tmc ft of Krishna water will be released into Nallamala Sagar, providing irrigation to approximately 1.19 lakh acres and drinking water to 4 lakh people.Boost to agricultureThe availability of Veligonda water is expected to create new opportunities in agriculture, say officials. Improved irrigation security will reduce uncertainty for farmers and facilitate crop diversification. Reduced dependence on groundwater will also create greater scope for development of horticulture, agro-processing and food-processing sectors. This, in turn, is expected to improve employment opportunities in the rural areas and help curb migration, they say.The project has faced numerous technical, financial and construction challenges since 1996. The project has progressed through several complex issues, including tunnel construction, feeder canals, head regulators, land acquisition, rehabilitation and resettlement.After assuming office in 2024, the coalition government has accorded highest priority to complete the project and expedited the works. Special attention has been given to tunnel works, feeder canals, head regulators and other allied structures, besides rehabilitation and compensation for the displaced families.The government has accelerated the project by disbursing ₹768 crore compensation to the displaced families in 48 days. In addition, ₹169 crore has been announced for those whose names have not been included in the gazette or beneficiary lists, along with ₹2 lakh each as compensation for those who attained the age of 18 after 2019.CM’s itineraryMr. Naidu will reach Gantavanipalli of Dornala mandal in Markapuram district on Monday morning and proceed to the project inauguration venue. He will participate in special puja ceremonies and inaugurate the Phase-I of the project, unveil the inauguration pylon, open the project gates, and formally release water into the Veligonda project. Later, he will address a public meeting. Published - August 30, 2026 08:13 pm IST