AP Clears ₹200 Crore Compensation for 1,600 Veligonda Families

The Andhra Pradesh government has released another ₹200 crore in compensation to families displaced by the Veligonda irrigation project, with Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu handing over the cheque to representatives of affected families at the Assembly premises on Wednesday.

The latest release takes the total compensation paid to families affected by the Veligonda Project to ₹518 crore, according to the government. The move is aimed at addressing pending compensation claims of families who surrendered their land and houses for the project.

The government had previously released ₹300 crore on June 27, benefiting more than 2,550 displaced families. The latest tranche is expected to benefit around 1,600 families, taking the compensation process further.

Naidu said the government recognised the sacrifices made by farmers and displaced families for major irrigation projects. He assured the affected families that the remaining compensation would be released soon, while promising continued government support during the rehabilitation process.

The Chief Minister also stressed that the government would provide necessary assistance to displaced families as they transition to their new settlements. The rehabilitation programme includes the development of seven rehabilitation colonies, where houses and basic infrastructure are being provided to project-affected families.

Infrastructure works have already been completed in six of the seven colonies, while works at Emulakota are still pending. Families are gradually shifting into the houses constructed for them in the completed colonies, the government said.

The latest compensation release marks another step in AP’s efforts to settle financial claims and strengthen rehabilitation measures for families affected by the Veligonda project. The government has indicated that completing pending compensation and rehabilitation works remains a priority.