Archive · 24 Jan 2026
Veligonda Project Completion Disputed by Ministers
The current government says the previous government lied about finishing the Veligonda Project.
The minister checked the work and found that the project is not done.
The previous leader said it was complete, but the current leader says there's still work to do.
They plan to finish the remaining work, like lining the canal and building a wall, by June.
The current government has done more work in 18 months than the previous government did in five years.
They also want to make sure people who had to move because of the project get paid.
Additionally, the state set a new record by transferring a lot of water to a dry area using the Handri–Neeva project, and they plan to transfer even more water soon.
Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu accused the previous YSRC government of misleading the public about the Veligonda Project's completion.
Former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy had claimed the project was complete, but the current government says it is not.
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu will oversee and review the project works, with completion of feeder canal lining and retaining wall works targeted by June.
The current government has completed significantly more work on Tunnel-2 in 18 months than the previous government did in five years.
The state irrigation department set a new record by transferring 40.109 TMC feet of water through the Handri–Neeva project to the drought-prone Rayalaseema region.
- Who
- Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu, former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu
- What
- Dispute over the completion status of the Veligonda Project and record water transfer through the Handri–Neeva project
- When
- Current government completed significant work in 18 months; previous government's work over five years; water transfer achieved in 190 days
- Where
- Veligonda Project site, including Tunnel-2 and feeder canal; Handri–Neeva Sujala Sravanthi project in Rayalaseema
- Why
- To address the project's incomplete status, ensure proper completion, and improve water supply to drought-prone regions
Current Government
Previous Government
Project Completion Status
Current Government
The Veligonda Project is not complete, and significant work remains, including feeder canal lining and retaining wall works.
Previous Government
Former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy claimed the project was complete and dedicated it to the nation.
Work Progress
Current Government
The current government has completed 6,579 meters of benching and 3,644 meters of lining in Tunnel-2 in 18 months.
Previous Government
The previous government completed only 745 meters of benching and 705 meters of lining in Tunnel-2 over five years.
Project Dedication
Current Government
The project will only be dedicated to the nation after compensation is paid to displaced families and all works are completed.
Previous Government
The previous government dedicated the project without ensuring water supply to farmers in Prakasam district.
- Project
- Veligonda Project
- Current Minister
- Nimmala Ramanaidu
- Previous Chief Minister
- YS Jagan Mohan Reddy
- Current Chief Minister
- Chandrababu Naidu
- Cost of Works
- ₹456 crore
- Completion Target
- June
- Tunnel-2 Progress (YSRC Rule)
- 745 metres benching, 705 metres lining
- Tunnel-2 Progress (Current Govt)
- 6,579 metres benching, 3,644 metres lining in 18 months
- Water Transfer Project
- Handri–Neeva Sujala Sravanthi
- Water Transferred
- 40.109 TMC feet
- Project Expansion
- 12 pumps
