Veligonda Project – Compensation Drive Set for Displaced Families
Veligonda Project – State Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu announced on Tuesday that Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is expected to distribute rehabilitation and resettlement compensation to families affected by the Veligonda Project later this month. The announcement comes as the Andhra Pradesh government intensifies efforts to complete key works linked to the project and facilitate the filling of the Nallamala Sagar Veligonda reservoir.
Additional Funds Approved for Rehabilitation
According to the minister, the government recently approved an additional allocation of ₹905 crore to support compensation payments and rehabilitation measures for project-displaced families. The funding is intended to ensure that pending resettlement obligations are addressed while enabling reservoir-related activities to move forward without delay.
Speaking during an inspection visit to Dornala, Ramanaidu said the administration remains committed to supporting families impacted by the project while accelerating infrastructure development in the region.
Review of Ongoing Construction Activities
During his visit, the minister inspected several components of the Pula Subbaiah Veligonda Reservoir Project. He reviewed progress on the twin tunnels, examined the ongoing removal of a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) trapped inside Tunnel-2, and assessed feeder canal lining works along with other construction activities.
Accompanied by officials, Ramanaidu entered the tunnel sections to directly monitor lining operations and evaluate the status of the TBM extraction work. Later, he chaired a review meeting with government officials and representatives of contracting agencies before briefing the media on project developments.
Progress Report on Tunnel and Water Flow Works
Providing an update on construction milestones, the minister stated that the head regulator retaining wall, associated wing structures, and return works have already been completed.
He explained that significant earth removal activities are underway to facilitate the movement of water from Kollam Vagu into the tunnel system. Of the estimated 1.80 lakh cubic metres of soil that must be cleared to allow the flow of 1 TMC of water, approximately 58,000 cubic metres have already been removed. In Tunnel-1, where around 1.20 lakh cubic metres of soil had obstructed water flow, nearly 40,000 cubic metres have been cleared so far.
Tunnel Lining and TBM Removal Progress
Ramanaidu said substantial progress has also been achieved in tunnel lining works. Of the total 7-kilometre lining requirement in Tunnel-2, around 5.5 kilometres have been completed during the past 20 months. The remaining 1.5 kilometres are expected to be finished by the end of July.
Regarding the TBM trapped in Tunnel-2, the minister said three of its seven compartments have already been removed. Engineering specialists are also evaluating the feasibility of permanently burying the machine’s cutting head within the tunnel as part of the final solution.
Canal Works Moving Ahead
The minister noted that construction of a 5.3-kilometre retaining wall along the feeder canal began in January and was completed within five months. However, he instructed officials and contractors to speed up the pace of the 21-kilometre canal lining project, which he described as progressing slower than expected.
He also said work is underway to repair a major breach in the feeder canal caused by Cyclone Montha through the construction of a cement concrete wall. The repair activity is expected to be completed soon. In addition, works related to the Teegaleru Canal, Eastern Main Canal, and a permanent diversion road are scheduled for completion by the end of June.
Government Targets Reservoir Filling Before Season
Ramanaidu stated that all major activities are being carried out in line with Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s directive to fill the Nallamala Sagar Veligonda reservoir before the upcoming season.
The minister also criticised the previous administration, alleging that adequate financial support was not provided for either project development or the welfare of displaced families during its tenure. He maintained that the present coalition government has prioritised both infrastructure completion and compensation payments by providing additional budgetary support for rehabilitation and resettlement.