Archive · 26 Aug 2026
Minister inspects Veligonda works ahead of August 31 inauguration
A minister checked whether the Veligonda project is ready for its opening ceremony.
The inauguration is planned for August 31.
The ceremony will include a water-related event called Jalaharathi and a public meeting.
The minister said the project took about three decades to become reality.
He said it could bring irrigation water to many acres of farmland.
It could also provide drinking water to many people.
About 7,000 families had to leave their homes for the project.
The government said it has given them Rs 768 crore and will continue helping them in their new colonies.
Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu inspected arrangements for the Veligonda project’s August 31 inauguration.
Officials reviewed feeder-canal regulator gates, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s Jalaharathi and the public meeting.
Ramanaidu said the project, pursued for three decades, would irrigate lakhs of acres and provide drinking water to lakhs of people.
He credited 7,000 displaced families’ sacrifices and said the government released Rs 768 crore to them within 40 days.
Officials were directed to address eligible families’ grievances and maintain welfare services and infrastructure in rehabilitation colonies.
- Who
- Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu, officials and public representatives inspected the works; Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is scheduled to attend the inauguration.
- What
- Officials reviewed preparations for the Veligonda project inauguration, feeder-canal regulator gates, Jalaharathi and a public meeting.
- When
- The inspection took place on Tuesday night; the inauguration is scheduled for August 31.
- Where
- At the Veligonda project and its feeder canal; the report identifies the location as Nellore and mentions rehabilitation colonies in the area.
- Why
- To prepare for the inauguration and address the welfare, compensation and infrastructure needs of displaced families.
- Inauguration date
- August 31
- Project timeline
- The project was described as being realised after three decades.
- Displaced families
- About 7,000 families were displaced by the project.
- Compensation released
- The coalition government released Rs 768 crore to displaced families within 40 days.
- Previous unpaid amount
- Ramanaidu alleged that Rs 900 crore remained unpaid under the previous government’s five-year tenure.
- Planned benefits
- The project is expected to support irrigation across lakhs of acres and drinking water supplies to lakhs of people.
- Rehabilitation support
- Colonies were reported to have schools, places of worship, community halls, panchayat offices, cement roads, drainage and street lighting.