Veligonda Project Reflects Chandrababu’s Vision, Says MLA Galla Madhavi

Guntur West MLA Galla Madhavi said the Velugonda Project was a reflection of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s long-term vision for irrigation and regional development, particularly in the drought-prone areas of Prakasam and Rayalaseema.

Madhavi made the remarks after leading a visit of around 450 TDP leaders and workers from the Guntur West constituency to the Velugonda Project and the Srisailam temple. The tour was organised as an incentive for party workers who had successfully participated in the “Intintiki Kutami Prabhutvam–Sankshema Vijayalu” door-to-door outreach programme.

She flagged off 10 buses carrying the party workers from the TDP camp office at Srinivasa Rao Peta on Sunday. The delegation later visited key sections of the Velugonda Project, including the main tunnel area, water-flow channels, feeder canals and the approximately 40-km main canal system.

The party workers were briefed on the construction and functioning of the project and observed the flow of water through the system. The project is being viewed as a major source of irrigation for drought-affected areas, with the potential to transform agricultural activity across the region.

Speaking during the visit, Madhavi said the TDP workers in Guntur West had worked with commitment to take the welfare and development initiatives of the coalition government’s first two years to the people. She said the constituency completed the door-to-door campaign in just 20 days and secured seventh place across the state, which she described as a reflection of the dedication of the party cadre.

“Development is not merely about announcements or political slogans. It is about projects that create lasting changes in people’s lives,” Madhavi said, explaining why Velugonda was chosen for the workers’ tour instead of Amaravati.

She described the project as a three-decade-old dream and said its progress demonstrated Chandrababu Naidu’s determination to expand irrigation infrastructure and improve water availability in drought-hit regions.

Madhavi also highlighted the Chief Minister’s focus on river interlinking, water conservation and efficient utilisation of water resources. She said these efforts had earned him descriptions such as “Andhra Pradesh Waterman” and “Apara Bhagirathudu”.

She acknowledged the contribution of Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu, engineers, local communities and people from villages affected by the project in its implementation.

The visit also included a pilgrimage to Srisailam, where the TDP delegation offered prayers at the Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy temple.

Party workers said the visit gave them a better understanding of the government’s development priorities and provided fresh motivation to strengthen the organisation and continue working among the people.