Archive · 7 Sep 2026
Andhra Pradesh Begins Veligallu Water Release for Essential Needs
The government has started sending water from the Veligallu Project into a canal.
The water will mainly be used for people to drink, animals, and helping refill underground water.
At first, 120 cusecs of water will be released.
After 15 days, the amount is planned to drop to 80 cusecs.
Local tanks will be filled only up to 30 percent so the water lasts longer.
About 0.5 TMC of water is planned to be used until the end of October.
The government plans to bring more water from the Handri-Neeva project later.
Farmers were asked to save water and grow crops that need less of it.
The state government began releasing 120 cusecs into Veligallu project’s right canal in Annamayya district on Sunday.
The water is intended primarily for drinking supplies, livestock needs, and groundwater recharge.
The discharge is planned to decrease to 80 cusecs after 15 days, with tanks filled to a maximum of 30%.
About 0.5 TMC is planned for use through October, followed by replenishment from the Handri-Neeva project.
Farmers were urged to conserve water, avoid water-intensive crops, choose dryland crops, and seek crop-insurance compensation for losses.
- Who
- The state government, Transport Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy, district officials, farmers, residents, and livestock owners are involved.
- What
- Water is being released from the Veligallu Project’s right canal for essential needs.
- When
- The release began on Sunday; it is planned to continue at a reduced rate after 15 days through the end of October.
- Where
- The release is taking place in the right canal of the Veligallu Project in Galiveedu mandal, Annamayya district.
- Why
- The government is prioritizing drinking water, livestock needs, and groundwater recharge amid deficient rainfall and concerns about drought-like conditions.
- Initial discharge
- 120 cusecs
- Planned discharge after 15 days
- 80 cusecs
- Planned use
- About 0.5 TMC through the end of October
- Tank-filling limit
- A maximum of 30% for each tank
- Water priorities
- Drinking water, livestock needs, and groundwater recharge
- Replenishment plan
- About 0.5 TMC is planned to be brought from the Handri-Neeva project later
- Agricultural advice
- Farmers were urged to avoid water-intensive crops and choose dryland crops
