Naidu lays stone for Rs 456 crore Veligonda canal works

Markapur: Chief minister Chandrababu Naidu asserted that completion of the Veligonda project will transform drought-hit regions of Markapuram, Prakasam and Nellore districts. He assured that the project will be finished in a time-bound manner, with pending works taken up on priority. Addressing a public meeting after laying the foundation stone for ₹456 crore feeder canal lining works at Gantavani Palli in Dornala mandal on Wednesday, Naidu said an additional ₹2,000–₹2,540 crore is required for completion, and funds are being mobilised to expedite execution.Naidu explained that the total estimated cost of the project is ₹9,081 crore, of which ₹5,451 crore has already been spent, including ₹484 crore for land acquisition and ₹184 crore for rehabilitation and resettlement. He noted that ₹540 crore was spent in the last 20 months alone to speed up pending works. Planned in two phases, the project is expected to irrigate 4.35 lakh acres, benefiting constituencies such as Giddalur, Yerragondapalem, Kanigiri, Udayagiri, Kadapa and Badvel.He said only 53 TMC of water is required for Veligonda, while large volumes of floodwater from the Godavari and Krishna rivers flow into the sea annually. The government is also working to link Godavari waters to Nallamala Sagar, which is targeted for completion by July this year. Naidu reiterated that the Polavaram project would be completed before the 2027 Godavari Pushkarams.The chief minister announced ₹50 crore for a new district collectorate complex and ₹1,300 crore to provide drinking water through Nallamala Sagar, including fluoride-affected areas. He highlighted welfare initiatives under the government's "super six" assurances — ₹34,000 crore disbursed under NTR Bharosa pensions, support for farmers through Annadata Sukhibhava, free cylinders for women under Deepam 2.0, and financial aid for students under Thalliki Vandanam. He said welfare and development are being pursued simultaneously, with investments worth ₹20 lakh crore attracted to generate youth employment.Naidu also reviewed tunnel and field-level works via video conference and interacted with farmers. He said land records are being updated through fresh surveys and QR-coded passbooks to ensure transparency. Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu, Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar, Social Welfare Minister Dr. DBV Swamy, legislators and senior leaders were present.