Krishna Water to Reach Nallamala Sagar as CM Chandrababu Set to Launch Veligonda Project

Andhra Pradesh is preparing for a significant milestone in its irrigation sector, with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu scheduled to formally launch the Veligonda project and release Krishna River water into the Nallamala Sagar reservoir on Monday, August 31.

The programme will take place near Gantavanipalle in Pedda Dornala mandal of Markapur district. Officials and ministers have been overseeing arrangements at the project site as the state government prepares for the event, which marks an important stage in the long-awaited movement of Krishna water through the Veligonda system.

Trial Run Completed Through Twin Tunnels

Preparations for the water release have already moved beyond the planning stage. Authorities conducted a trial operation by allowing water from the backwaters of the Srisailam reservoir, near Kollam Vagu, into the Veligonda system through its twin tunnels.

Water from the two tunnels has reached the feeder canal, setting the stage for the next phase of the operation. The planned programme will see the Krishna water carried through the feeder canal before being released into the Nallamala Sagar reservoir.

Officials had lifted two head regulator gates near Kollam Vagu by about 0.8 metres to allow water to enter the project. Following the entry of Krishna water into the feeder canals, authorities issued a second flood warning in the area.

Chandrababu to Perform Water Release

During his visit, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu is expected to participate in a water worship ceremony and operate the cross-regulator gates near the feeder canal. The water will then be directed towards Nallamala Sagar.

The location selected for the programme is close to the cross regulator situated around 4.2 km along the Veligonda feeder canal. A special platform and steps have been constructed near the canal for the ceremony. Arrangements are also being made for cultural performances involving women and children.

Following the water-release programme, the Chief Minister is scheduled to address a public meeting.

Project Brings Long Wait Closer to Completion

The latest development is being viewed as an important moment for the Veligonda project, which has remained a long-standing irrigation expectation in the region. The movement of Krishna water through the twin tunnels and into the feeder canal represents a major operational step before water reaches the Nallamala Sagar reservoir.

The project has also involved the displacement of people from villages affected by submergence. Residents of Sunkesula, Kalanuthala and Gundamcherla, identified as fully submerged villages under the project, have already vacated their homes. Displacement efforts involving residents of other affected villages are also continuing.

The arrival of water therefore carries significance beyond the engineering operation itself, as several communities have been directly affected during the development of the project.

Ministers and Officials Monitor Arrangements

State ministers and local officials have been closely supervising preparations for the Chief Minister's visit. Ministers Nimmala Ramanaidu, Gottipati Ravi Kumar, Ponguru Narayana, Anam Ramanarayana Reddy and Dola Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy are among those involved in overseeing arrangements, according to the report.

Local legislators and senior district officials are also coordinating the programme. Markapur district Collector Vijaya Sunitha and Superintendent of Police Harshavardhan Raju are among the officials supervising preparations at the site.

Security arrangements have been strengthened because the area had previously been associated with Maoist activity. Police personnel are being deployed in large numbers to ensure security during the Chief Minister's visit and the public programme.

Focus Turns to Nallamala Sagar

With the trial release already completed and Krishna water flowing towards the feeder canal, attention is now focused on Monday's programme. The proposed release into Nallamala Sagar is expected to demonstrate the functioning of the water-transfer system connecting the Srisailam backwaters, Veligonda's twin tunnels and the feeder canal.

For the state government, the event is being presented as a major milestone in the implementation of the Veligonda project. For the surrounding region, the movement of Krishna water into the reservoir represents the latest step in a project that has been awaited for decades.

As preparations continue at Gantavanipalle, officials are working to complete the remaining arrangements ahead of the Chief Minister's scheduled visit and the formal dedication of the Veligonda project to the nation.