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Veligonda Project Water Release Set After Three Decades

Veligonda Project Water Release Set After Three Decades
Three-Decade Wait Ends: Veligonda water finally within reach of drought-hit Andhra · thehansindia.com

The Veligonda Project is a large water project in Andhra Pradesh that has taken nearly three decades to reach this stage.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said its first phase will release water on August 31.

The water is expected to help farmers irrigate about 1.19 lakh acres.

It should also provide drinking water to nearly four lakh people.

The project will help drought-prone areas in four districts.

Some families had to give up their land for the project.

The government says it has paid ₹768 crore to 6,206 of those families.

Another ₹132 crore is still needed to finish the compensation process.

The government also plans household tap water in Markapuram and a horticulture hub.

Key facts

Scheduled water release
August 31
Expected irrigation coverage
1.19 lakh acres
Expected drinking-water beneficiaries
Nearly four lakh people
Compensation paid
₹768 crore to 6,206 displaced families in 48 days
Latest compensation installment
₹250 crore to 2,027 families
Compensation still required
₹132 crore
First-phase expenditure
₹2,250 crore spent over the past two years, according to the Chief Minister
Reported river-linking proposal
The reports use different descriptions: one refers to Ganga-Godavari-Cauvery linking, while the other refers to Krishna-Godavari-Cauvery linking.

Quotes

N Chandrababu Naidu

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister who announced the project’s inauguration and water release date

“Despite these difficulties, we resolved to complete Veligonda and provide water to the people.”
thehansindia.com

Ushamma

Displaced woman affected by the Veligonda Project

“We have received the compensation in full, and the facilities in the rehabilitation colonies are good.”
thehansindia.com

Sources

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