Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu inaugurated the first phase of the Veligonda Irrigation Project and dedicated it to the nation. The project is designed to address long-standing irrigation and drinking-water shortages in drought- and fluoride-affected areas of the state. It is expected to transform water availability in Markapuram and surrounding drought-prone areas.
How the Veligonda Project Will Work?
The Poola Subbaiah Veligonda Project, commonly known as the Veligonda Project, will divert Krishna River water from the Srisailam Reservoir towards the Nallamala Sagar Reservoir.
The water will be transported by gravity and subsequently distributed through a network of canals for Irrigation and Drinking-water supply.
The project draws 43.5 TMC of Krishna River floodwater from the foreshore of the Srisailam Reservoir near Kollamvagu, with the water being stored in the proposed Nallamala Sagar Reservoir.
Two tunnels, each forming part of the system and extending across the Nallamala Hills, are central to transferring the water.
Veligonda Project: Overall Potential
Once the complete project is finished, it is expected to:
- Provide irrigation to approximately 4.47 lakh acres.
- Supply drinking water to around 15 lakh people.
- Cover 30 mandals across Markapuram, Nellore and Kadapa districts.
- Address water shortages in areas affected by drought and fluoride contamination.
Rehabilitation & Displacement Issue:
The project involves the displacement of approximately 20,946 families.
Veligonda Project – Phase I
The first phase represents a major step towards making the project operational.
| Particular | Phase-I Details |
| Krishna water storage in Nallamala Sagar | 10.70 TMC |
| Irrigation coverage | 1.19 lakh acres |
| Drinking-water beneficiaries | Approximately 4 lakh people |
| Cost of Phase I | ₹7,983 crore |
| Total estimated project cost | ₹10,200 crore |
| Twin tunnels completed | 18.8 km |
| Feeder canal works completed | 21.8 km |
The completed 18.8-km twin tunnel system and 21.8-km feeder canal works form important components of Phase I.
Drinking water from Nallamala Sagar Reservoir is also planned to reach households through tap connections.
Compensation to Displaced Families
As part of the rehabilitation process, the government provided ₹768 crore in compensation to 6,206 displaced families within 48 days.
Phase II of the Veligonda Project
The Andhra Pradesh government plans to proceed with Phase II of the Veligonda Project, with a target of completing it by 2028.
The development of the region is also being linked with the proposed ₹1 lakh crore Global Horticulture Hub project, for which Markapuram has been included. The project is scheduled to be taken up in September.