Veligonda Phase-I project will be inaugurated on August 31: CM Naidu

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced that Phase-I of Veligonda project would be inaugurated and water will be released from it on August 31. The project will irrigate up to 1.19 lakh acres in Prakasam, Nellore, Kadapa and Markapuram districts and meet drinking water requirements of about four lakh people.

Giving away a cheque for ₹250 crore towards the third instalment of compensation to families displaced by the Veligonda project, at his camp office on Saturday (August 22, 2026), Mr. Naidu said it was a 30-year dream becoming a reality and recalled that he had laid the foundation for it in 1996.

He noted that a sum of ₹2,250 crore was spent on Phase-I of the project over the last two years, and expressed happiness that it was completed.

Also, he observed that he has the good fortune of completing and inaugurating various projects for which N.T. Rama Rao laid the foundations.

The CM pointed out that due to El Nino this year, there was a 50% deficit rainfall, which resulted in scarcity at Srisailam and Nagarjuna Sagar projects. This necessitated judicious use of water.

Upon completion, the Polavaram project would supply water to the Krishna delta, Srisailam and further downstream to the Rayalaseema region, he said, asserting that the linking of Ganga, Godavari and Cauvery rivers would permanently solve water problems in four States.

Further, Mr. Naidu said foundation for the Rayalaseema Horticulture Hub would be laid in September and farmers would soon have the opportunity to export their produce through the Ramayapatnam port.

Water Resources Minister Nimmala Rama Naidu, MP Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy, MLAs Kandula Narayana Reddy, M. Ashok Reddy and M. Ugra Narasimha Reddy and Rehabilitation & Resettlement Commissioner P. Prasanthi was among those present.