Naidu orders speedy construction of 5,000 temples across Andhra Pradesh

Three decades after laying the foundation stone, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu inaugurated the first phase of the Poola Subbaiah Veligonda irrigation project on Monday, August 31, 2026. The ceremony took place at Gantavanipalli in Dornala mandal, marking the culmination of a long-standing effort to address chronic water scarcity in parts of the state. The project aims to bring relief to drought-prone regions in Markapuram, Prakasam, Nellore, and Kadapa districts. Naidu, who originally laid the foundation stone in 1996 while serving as Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh, described the initiative as a fulfillment of a public promise made over three decades ago. The inauguration was held under the theme “Velugonda Jala Sirulu, Abhivruddhiki Rekkalu” (Velugonda Waters, Wings for Development). During the event, Naidu released Krishna River water into the Nallamala Sagar reservoir, initiating the flow of water that would support both agricultural and domestic needs in the region. He acknowledged the sacrifices made by the residents of 11 villages whose land was acquired for the project, emphasizing the significance of the project for the local population. In a social media post prior to the event, Naidu highlighted how the project would offer health security to families affected by fluoride contamination and provide a future for young people who had migrated due to lack of livelihood opportunities. The Veligonda project is designed to divert water from the Srisailam reservoir along the Krishna River via gravity, storing it in the Nallamala Sagar before distributing it through main canals. Officials stated that this system would ensure a reliable supply of water for irrigation and drinking purposes. Once fully completed, the project is projected to irrigate 4.47 lakh acres and provide drinking water to approximately 23 lakh people, including those residing in areas affected by high fluoride levels. Phase I of the project involves releasing 10.70 million cubic feet (tmc ft) of Krishna water into the Nallamala Sagar. This initial release is expected to provide irrigation to roughly 1.19 lakh acres and supply drinking water to around 4 lakh individuals. According to Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan, the project will serve as the primary water source for the Jal Jeevan Mission’s water grid scheme in Markapuram and Prakasam districts. The implementation of Phase I marks a critical step toward achieving these broader goals. The project has encountered multiple challenges since its inception in 1996, including technical difficulties, financial constraints, and construction hurdles. Despite these obstacles, progress has continued, albeit at varying paces. Government officials expressed optimism that the successful completion of Phase I would pave the way for further expansion. They emphasized that improved irrigation security would allow farmers to plan more effectively, reducing uncertainties related to crop production. This stability could encourage diversification of crops and lessen reliance on groundwater, thereby creating opportunities for growth in horticulture, agro-processing, and food processing sectors. The launch of Phase I has sparked political discussions within the state. While the ruling party celebrates the achievement as a milestone in infrastructure development, opposition leaders have raised concerns regarding the management of resources and the impact on local communities. Some critics argue that the benefits of the project should be distributed equitably among all stakeholders, ensuring transparency in the allocation of funds and addressing potential environmental impacts. These debates reflect the broader discourse surrounding large-scale developmental projects in the region. The Veligonda project is anticipated to significantly alter the landscape of agriculture and water distribution in the targeted districts. With increased access to irrigation, farmers may explore new cropping patterns that align with market demands and climatic conditions. Additionally, the availability of clean drinking water is expected to enhance public health outcomes, particularly in fluoride-affected areas. As the project moves forward, its success will depend on sustained investment, effective governance, and community engagement to ensure that its intended benefits reach all segments of society.