Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu to Inaugurate Phase-I of Veligonda Irrigation Project on August 31

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is set to inaugurate Phase-I of the long-awaited Veligonda irrigation project on August 31, 2026. The event will mark the release of Krishna waters into the drought-prone region, fulfilling a project whose foundation stone was initially laid by Mr. Naidu nearly three decades ago on March 5, 1996, during his tenure as Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh.

The State government is organizing the inauguration under the theme “Veligonda Jalasirulu – Abhivruddhiki Rekkalu” (Veligonda’s Water Wealth – Wings to Development). The project is designed to divert Krishna waters from the Srisailam reservoir through gravity into the Nallamala Sagar reservoir, distributing the stored water via canals for both irrigation and drinking purposes.

Veligonda has long been regarded as a critical lifeline for regions suffering from scanty rainfall, depleted groundwater, fluoride contamination, and inadequate irrigation facilities, specifically affecting parts of Markapur, Prakasam, Nellore, and Kadapa districts. Once fully operational, the project is expected to provide irrigation to 4.47 lakh acres and benefit approximately 23 lakh people across 30 mandals by supplying drinking water.

With the launch of Phase-I, 10.70 TMC of Krishna water will be released into Nallamala Sagar. This initial phase aims to provide irrigation to around 1.19 lakh acres and secure drinking water for approximately four lakh people. The introduction of assured irrigation is anticipated to reduce uncertainty for local farmers, encourage crop diversification, and decrease dependence on groundwater. This shift could potentially facilitate the expansion of horticulture, agro-processing, and food-processing industries, thereby generating rural employment opportunities and mitigating migration.

The project's three-decade journey involved significant challenges, including complex tunnel construction, feeder canals, head regulators, land acquisition, and the rehabilitation and resettlement of displaced families. Following the assumption of office by the NDA Government in 2024, the Veligonda project was prioritized, leading to accelerated construction works.

To expedite the completion of pending works—such as tunnels, feeder canals, and head regulators—the state government addressed various rehabilitation and compensation issues. Official releases indicate that the government disbursed ₹768 crore as compensation to displaced families. An additional ₹169 crore was earmarked for individuals whose names were omitted from gazette or beneficiary lists, alongside compensation of ₹2 lakh each announced for individuals who attained the age of 18 after 2019.

"The long-awaited inauguration of the Veligonda irrigation project highlights the critical role that foundational infrastructure plays in driving regional economic development. By securing reliable irrigation and drinking water for drought-prone districts, this project reduces agricultural vulnerability and creates an enabling environment for rural enterprises, horticulture, and food-processing industries. Sustainable regional growth often depends on resolving long-standing execution hurdles through targeted administrative focus and adequate compensation frameworks for displaced communities." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes