Archive · 26 Aug 2026
Veligonda Phase-I Set to Transform Drought-Hit Andhra Regions
The Veligonda project is meant to bring Krishna River water to drought-hit parts of Andhra Pradesh.
Its first phase is scheduled to open in Markapuram on August 31.
The project will send water into the Nallamala Sagar reservoir.
This water is expected to help farmers grow crops and provide drinking water to families.
Phase-I will support irrigation on 1.19 lakh acres and provide drinking water to four lakh people.
The full project is planned to cover areas in Prakasam, Nellore and Kadapa districts.
Officials say it may also help solve fluoride problems, recharge groundwater and reduce migration.
They also expect better farming, food processing and jobs in the region.
Phase-I of the Veligonda project is scheduled for inauguration at Markapuram on August 31.
The project will release 10.70 tmc ft of Krishna water into the Nallamala Sagar reservoir.
Both phases are planned to irrigate 4.47 lakh acres and provide drinking water to nearly 23 lakh people.
Phase-I will irrigate 1.19 lakh acres and supply drinking water to four lakh people.
The ₹10,200-crore project includes twin tunnels, feeder canals and three main canals from the Srisailam reservoir.
- Who
- Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and the state government are overseeing the project.
- What
- Phase-I of the Veligonda project is scheduled to be inaugurated, bringing Krishna water to drought-affected areas.
- When
- The inauguration is scheduled for August 31; Naidu laid the foundation stone on March 5, 1996.
- Where
- The launch will take place at Markapuram, with planned benefits across areas of Prakasam, Nellore and Kadapa districts in Andhra Pradesh.
- Why
- The project aims to provide irrigation and drinking water, address fluoride contamination, reduce reliance on uncertain rainfall and groundwater, and support regional development.
- Project cost
- ₹10,200 crore
- Water release
- 10.70 tmc ft of Krishna water into Nallamala Sagar
- Total irrigation coverage
- 4.47 lakh acres across 30 mandals
- Total drinking-water coverage
- Nearly 23 lakh people
- Phase-I coverage
- Irrigation for 1.19 lakh acres and drinking water for four lakh people
- Major infrastructure
- Twin tunnels totaling 18.8 km, 21.8 km of feeder canals and three main canals
- Phase-I expenditure and compensation
- The government says ₹7,983 crore of works were completed and ₹768 crore was distributed to displaced families
