Andhra Pradesh announces updated timelines for Veligonda and Polavaram water projects

Andhra Pradesh Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu has announced updated timelines for two major water projects in the state.

Regarding the Veligonda Project, water is expected to reach Nallamala Sagar by the end of August. This initiative aims to address drought and fluoride issues in the Rayalaseema and Prakasam districts. The minister noted that approximately 10 TMC of water could be diverted within 10 to 15 days, utilizing current water levels in Srisailam. Significant progress has been made on excavation and tunnel lining, and Rs 318 crore has been deposited for rehabilitation and resettlement (R&R) beneficiaries.

For the Polavaram Project, the government has set an accelerated completion deadline of March 2027, moving up from the original December 2027 target. Current project progress is at 77 per cent, with civil works at 90 per cent and land acquisition at 94 per cent. The state has invested up to Rs 1,800 crore to expedite work on the Polavaram Left Main Canal, with water expected to be released through the canal by the end of this month to supply North Coastal Andhra. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has directed that all resettlement and land acquisition tasks be finished by December 2026.