In a significant announcement at Gantavanipalli in Markapuram district, Water Resources Minister Nimmala Rama Naidu stated that the Poola Subbaiah Veligonda Project has finally become fully operational. He attributed this success to the unwavering commitment of Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, who stepped in to resolve long-standing obstacles that had stalled the project for decades.

The project, whose foundation stone was laid nearly thirty years ago, saw a dramatic acceleration after the current coalition government assumed office in 2024. Minister Nimmala revealed that the Chief Minister set a strict deadline for 2026 and personally monitored progress every 15 to 20 days, ensuring that the Finance Department provided uninterrupted funding despite existing fiscal constraints.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the operationalization of the Veligonda Project is a strategic masterstroke for Andhra Pradesh's agrarian economy. By diverting Krishna River water to Nallamala Sagar, the government is addressing chronic water scarcity in the region. This not only secures food production but also reduces the dependence of farmers on erratic monsoon rains, potentially boosting the state's GDP through increased agricultural yield.

"The completion of the Veligonda Project is a testament to how administrative agility and legal resolution can rescue critical infrastructure from permanent limbo."

On the technical front, the project involved massive engineering feats. Approximately 1.80 lakh cubic metres of soil were excavated at Kollam Vagu, and 3,250 cubic metres of concrete work were executed. A 4,924-metre-long tunnel and 6,988 metres of lining were completed within a tight two-year window to meet the government's targets.

One of the most critical hurdles was a 1,900-tonne Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) that had remained stuck at the 11.8-km mark for five years. Following the resolution of complex legal disputes, the machine was successfully extracted, clearing the path for the project's final stages. Furthermore, ₹462 crore was allocated for feeder canals, resulting in 5.3 km of CC work and 11 km of lining.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the primary benefit of the Veligonda Project?
A: It enables the conveyance of Krishna River water to Nallamala Sagar, providing essential irrigation to drought-prone areas of Andhra Pradesh.

Q2: How long did the project take to complete?
A: While the foundation was laid 30 years ago, the final critical phases were accelerated and completed within the last two years under the current administration.