Veligonda Project to Be Dedicated to the Nation by July: CM Chandrababu Naidu!

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced that the long-pending Veligonda Project will be completed and dedicated to the nation by July, recalling that he had first visited Markapur nearly three decades ago when residents requested drinking water from the Srisailam reservoir. Speaking after laying the foundation stone for the ₹436-crore feeder canal modernization works near Gantavanipalle in Pedda Dornala mandal, he reviewed tunnel construction progress through virtual visuals and interacted with engineers and officials. The Chief Minister criticized the previous government, alleging that the project was prematurely dedicated to the nation in March 2024 despite remaining incomplete.

Addressing a public meeting in Markapur, Naidu said the government aims to complete Veligonda this year and the Polavaram Project next year, emphasizing development of backward regions and safe drinking water supply to fluoride-affected areas. He stated that significant funds have been allocated to accelerate pending works and assured that water would be released by July to benefit farmers and residents facing severe groundwater scarcity. During interactions with local farmers, he highlighted plans to transform the region into a horticulture hub and improve crop quality to meet global market standards.