Velugonda Project Set For Inauguration On August 31, Says CM Chandrababu

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has announced that the long-awaited Velugonda Project will be inaugurated on August 31, marking a major milestone in the state’s efforts to provide irrigation and drinking water to the drought-prone western Prakasam region.

Recalling his association with the project, Naidu said he had laid its foundation stone on March 5, 1996, when he was the Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh. Nearly three decades later, he said, the project was ready for inauguration after overcoming numerous obstacles and challenges.

As part of Phase-I, 10.7 TMC of Krishna water will be released into Nallamala Sagar on August 31. The first phase is expected to provide irrigation to around 1.19 lakh acres, while completion of Phase-II will extend irrigation coverage to 3.283 lakh acres.

The Chief Minister said the project would also provide drinking water to lakhs of people and help address the long-standing fluoride problem in western Prakasam. He said household tap connections would ensure access to clean drinking water and bring relief to communities that have faced drought and water scarcity for generations.

Naidu described Velugonda as a turning point for the drought-hit Markapur region, saying the arrival of Krishna water would revive agriculture, create livelihood opportunities and transform the local economy. He also recalled the government’s decision to create Markapur district in response to the aspirations of the people.

The Chief Minister further announced plans to develop Rayalaseema and the erstwhile Prakasam region as a horticulture hub, with investments of around ₹1 lakh crore. Improved connectivity through national highways, Ramayapatnam Port and the Bengaluru–Amaravati highway is expected to strengthen trade and industrial activity.

Naidu said bringing Krishna water from the foothills of Srisailam to Markapur would fulfil a long-standing aspiration and reiterated his vision of water for every farmer, employment for every youth and security for every family.