Water Reaches Veligonda as Project Completed Under Chandrababu’s Supervision: Government

The Andhra Pradesh government said water reached the Veligonda Project only after overcoming several challenges and completing crucial pending works. It credited Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu's continuous monitoring and the sacrifices made by displaced families, who gave up their lands, properties and villages for the project, for achieving the milestone. After the coalition government came to power in 2024, the Chief Minister reportedly expressed concern over the project remaining incomplete for decades and directed officials to ensure its completion by 2026. The government said the project was regularly reviewed and steps were taken to prevent any shortage of funds.

According to the government, major works carried out over the past two years included removing a large quantity of soil to facilitate water flow from the Kollam Vagu, completing concrete works at the head regulators and finishing a 4,924-metre tunnel. It also said works worth Rs.460 crore helped complete a 5.3-km CC wall and 11 km of canal lining, enabling water to reach the project. The government stated that Rs.900 crore had been paid to displaced families as compensation and alleged that the previous government had failed to provide adequate support to them. It further criticised the previous administration, accusing it of misleading people over the status of the Veligonda Project.