Veligonda Project’s ‘Nation Dedication’ Turns Out to Be Political Theatre

The Veligonda Project has once again come under sharp focus after AP Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu presented a detailed PowerPoint briefing at the Amaravati Secretariat , highlighting major incomplete works and alleging that the previous government misled the public. The Minister stated that former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy inaugurated the project on March 6, 2024 , despite critical components remaining unfinished, calling it an election gimmick that failed to deliver real benefits to the people of Prakasam, Nellore and Kadapa districts.

Explaining the project’s background, the Minister said the Veligonda Project was launched in 1996 to supply 43.58 TMC of Krishna waters , provide irrigation to 4.47 lakh acres , and drinking water to 15.25 lakh people . However, he pointed out that the previous government repeatedly announced completion deadlines without achieving them and finally inaugurated the project ahead of elections with several safety-critical works pending.

On the technical front, Minister Ramanaidu said Tunnel-1 still requires large-scale earth removal, making it impossible to draw water at the designed capacity, while Tunnel-2 had thousands of metres of lining work pending earlier, posing serious safety risks. He also revealed that a massive Tunnel Boring Machine remains stuck inside the tunnel, preventing water flow and requiring specialised removal.

Addressing feeder canal issues, the Minister said the canal was earlier left as an earthen structure, leading to breaches even after minor rainfall. The present government has now taken up cement lining and retaining wall works to stabilise the canal and ensure safe water conveyance.

On rehabilitation, the Minister alleged that compensation amounting to hundreds of crores is due to displaced families from 11 submerged villages , but no payments were made earlier. He said rehabilitation works gained momentum only after the change in government. Refuting claims of inadequate funding, he stated that substantial amounts have already been spent and assured that all key works would be completed by June 2026 , enabling water to reach Nallamala Sagar and finally realise the long-pending Veligonda project objectives.