Veligonda Project A Bhagiratha Effort To Bring Krishna Waters To Drought Lands: AP CM
Naidu said Veligonda represented the resolve to defeat drought, three decades of struggle and confidence in the future of farmers. It also marked an end to fluoride-related hardships and a new history written by the Krishna River on drought-hit land.
Markapuram: After dedicating Phase-1 of the Velugonda Irrigation Project to the nation on Monday, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu termed the project as a "Bhagiratha effort", as tunnels were carved through the hills to bring Krishna waters to drought-hit lands.
Addressing the farmers after the inaugural session, the Chief Minister said that the project would usher in development to the region and transform Velugonda into a "golden hill" that would bring light to people's lives.
"We gave our word, completed the project and brought the Krishna waters. From now on, we will create wealth," he said.
Addressing farmers who fought drought, fluoride contamination and generations that had waited for water, Naidu said the arrival of Krishna waters would give them a new lease of life.
Naidu said Veligonda represented the resolve to defeat drought, three decades of struggle and confidence in the future of farmers. It also marked an end to fluoride-related hardships and a new history written by the Krishna River on drought-hit land.
He said the Krishna River, originating from the abode of Mallanna at Srisailam, was offering a water tribute to the land where Chennakesava resides in Markapuram.
Naidu said water was being brought from Kollam Vagu in the Srisailam reservoir through gravity, creating an opportunity to store 53 TMC.
With a total project cost of Rs 10,200 crore, the first phase was completed at an expenditure of Rs 7,983 crore, said the CM, adding that twin tunnels spanning 18.8 kilometres and feeder canals extending 21.8 kilometres were completed as part of the works.
Naidu said Rs 768 crore in compensation was disbursed within 48 days to 6,206 displaced families, adding that he wanted displaced families to be equally happy as those benefiting from the project.
Despite financial difficulties, another Rs 169 crore would be paid, recognising the hardships and needs of the displaced families, said Naidu.
By extending the cut-off date, Rs 2 lakh each would be provided to youth who had attained the age of 18.
With Krishna waters reaching the region, fluoride would become a thing of the past in western Prakasam, he said. Under Phase-1, 10.70 TMC of water would be brought into Nallamala Sagar, providing irrigation to 1.19 lakh acres and drinking water to four lakh people.
Once the entire project is completed, irrigation water would be provided to 4.47 lakh acres across 30 mandals in the erstwhile Prakasam, Nellore and Kadapa districts, while drinking water would be supplied to 23 lakh people.
Naidu said irrigation water would cover 3.36 lakh acres in the erstwhile Prakasam district, 84,000 acres in Nellore and 27,000 acres in Kadapa. An ayacut of 62,000 acres under the Teegalairu Canal, 9,500 acres under the Gottipadia Canal and 3.70 lakh acres under the Eastern Main Canal would be stabilised, he said.
He also stated that Markapuram's time has commenced and was now unstoppable as he waved the green scarf in the air while delivering an energetic speech, much to the delight of the crowd and TDP cadre who had come in large numbers for the event.
