However, during the previous administration, a massive budget allocation of Rs. 3,518 crore was claimed, yet only 18% of the funds Rs. 647 crore were actually utilized

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Andhra Pradesh Water Resources Minister Dr. Nimmala Rama Naidu criticized the previous government for inaugurating the Veligonda Project without completing its construction. He stated that the project still requires an estimated Rs. 4,000 crore and at least two more years to be fully operational.

Addressing the media at the state secretariat on Thursday, the minister emphasized that Veligonda, intended to provide irrigation water for 4.50 lakh acres and drinking water for 25 lakh people, was inaugurated without completing any major components. He alleged that farmers were placed under house arrest and the project was dedicated to the nation under heavy security arrangements.

Minister Naidu pointed out that several crucial works remain unfinished, including the head regulatory structure and retaining wall at Srisailam, as well as the first and second tunnels, feeder canal, and rehabilitation colony constructions. He highlighted that in Tunnel-1, about 1.20 lakh cubic meters of road excavation is pending, while Tunnel-2 still requires the removal of 2 lakh cubic meters of debris, which would take approximately nine months.

Further, he stated that drilling and blasting operations in Tunnel-2 are yet to be completed, requiring another eight months. Additionally, 6.8 km of tunnel lining work and the removal of a massive tunnel boring machine are pending, which would take a significant amount of time. The 21.8 km-long feeder canal work is also incomplete, raising questions about the rationale behind dedicating the project to the nation prematurely.

Minister Rama Naidu expressed surprise over opposition party leaders accusing the current government regarding the project. He recalled that in 1996, the present Chief Minister, N. Chandrababu Naidu, performed the project's foundation stone ceremony. In 2014, Rs. 1,373 crore was allocated, out of which Rs. 1,319 crore (96%) was spent, covering 30% of the work.