Andhra Pradesh Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu has announced that water from the Poola Subbaiah Veligonda Project will reach the Nallamala Sagar Reservoir by the end of August. He said the state government is fast-tracking the remaining works to achieve the long-awaited milestone.
The minister reviewed the project's progress with officials and directed them to complete the remaining tunnel lining, feeder canal, and related infrastructure works on schedule. He said most of the pending engineering works are nearing completion, allowing Krishna River water to be diverted into the reservoir soon.
The Veligonda Project is designed to divert surplus floodwaters from the Krishna River through twin tunnels beneath the Nallamala Hills into the Nallamala Sagar Reservoir. Once fully operational, the project is expected to provide irrigation to 4.47 lakh acres of farmland and supply safe drinking water to more than 15 lakh people across Prakasam, Nellore, and Kadapa districts.
The minister also said the government is speeding up rehabilitation and compensation for displaced families while ensuring that all remaining construction work is completed without further delay. The project is considered one of Andhra Pradesh's most significant irrigation initiatives aimed at improving water security in drought-prone regions.
