Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu inaugurated the first phase of the Veligonda Project and honored the daughters of Communist leader Poola Subbaiah for his lifelong struggle against drought.

  • CM Nara Chandrababu Naidu officially inaugurated the first phase of the Veligonda Project.
  • Sunanda and Vilasini, daughters of late leader Poola Subbaiah, were honored for their father's legacy.
  • The project aims to resolve critical drinking water and irrigation shortages in Prakasam, Nellore, and Kadapa districts.

In a significant event marking a milestone for regional development, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu inaugurated the first phase of the Veligonda Project on Monday. During a public gathering at Gantavanipalli village in the Dornala mandal of Markapuram district, the CM felicitated Sunanda and Vilasini, the daughters of the legendary Communist leader Poola Subbaiah, after whom the project is named.

Poola Subbaiah, a former MLA from the Markapuram constituency, is remembered as the architect of the movement to bring water to the parched lands of the western Prakasam district. For years, this region suffered from severe drought, hindering both agriculture and basic survival. Subbaiah spearheaded massive grassroots movements to divert Krishna River waters to these areas, a struggle that eventually bore fruit when the project was initiated during the tenure of TDP founder N.T. Rama Rao.

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Recognizing the immense public demand and the pivotal role played by the Communist leader, former Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy subsequently named the project after Poola Subbaiah. This naming served as a permanent tribute to his tireless efforts and his commitment to the marginalized farmers of the region.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this inauguration transcends simple infrastructure development. By honoring the family of a political opponent (a Communist leader), CM Naidu is signaling a governance style based on merit and historical gratitude rather than partisan rivalry. This move strengthens the government's bond with the rural electorate in the drought-prone districts.

The completion of the Veligonda project is a victory for persistence, turning a decades-old political promise into a tangible lifeline for millions.

The atmosphere turned emotional as Ms. Vilasini, Subbaiah's second daughter, addressed the gathering. She lauded Mr. Naidu as a visionary leader and admitted that her family had almost lost hope of seeing the project become a reality in their lifetime. She emphasized that the residents of Prakasam, Nellore, and Kadapa would forever be indebted to her father's vision.

Furthermore, she expressed her gratitude toward Water Resources Minister Nimmala Rama Naidu for his efficiency in overseeing the completion of this phase, ensuring that the long-awaited water reaches the fields and homes of the drought-hit population.

Did You Know?: The Veligonda Project is one of the most critical water diversion schemes in South India, designed to combat chronic drought through strategic river linking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Who was Poola Subbaiah?
A: He was a former MLA and Communist leader who fought for decades to bring Krishna River water to the drought-hit western region of Prakasam district.

Q2: Which districts will benefit from the Veligonda Project?
A: The project primarily benefits the districts of Prakasam, Nellore, and Kadapa by providing irrigation and drinking water.