Irrigation Minister seeks detailed report on Veligonda Project

Minister for Water Resources, Nimmala Ramanaidu, criticised the previous YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government for the delays in completing the Veligonda Project. In a video conference review meeting on Monday, he discussed the current status of key water projects, including Veligonda, Handri-Neeva, the Polavaram Project, and the Polavaram Left Main Canal, with officials from the Water Resources Department.
The meeting, held in his chamber at the Secretariat, was attended by Special Chief Secretary of the Water Resources Department G Sai Prasad, Engineer-In-Chief M Venkateswara Rao, and other senior officials. Ramanaidu inquired about the progress of these projects and requested estimates on the time needed for their completion.
The minister stressed that, under the leadership of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, efforts are being made to expedite work on the Veligonda Project. He announced plans to visit the project site personally to ensure that work progresses at a faster pace.
Ramanaidu emphasised that, once completed, the Veligonda Project would address the irrigation and drinking water challenges faced by the underdeveloped Prakasam district.
He also instructed officials to submit a detailed report on the expenditure required to complete the project. Further, he directed the Water Resources Department to prepare a plan to begin the Handri-Neeva Main Canal extension and lining works by November, along with a comprehensive schedule for the project.
In addition, the minister reviewed the progress of the Diaphragm-Wall construction at the Polavaram Project and held discussions with engineers from Megha Engineering Company Limited. He announced that the government is also initiating work on the Polavaram Left Main Canal to ensure adequate water supply for both irrigation and drinking needs in the North Coastal districts.