Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has reacted to the completion of the Poola Subbaiah Veligonda Project, alleging that attempts are being made to distort the project’s history and claim credit for its completion.
Jagan said that although the foundation stone for the Veligonda Project was laid during Chandrababu Naidu’s tenure, the vision, comprehensive planning and real momentum for the project came from the late Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy.
Veligonda Was YSR’s Dream Project: Jagan
Describing the Veligonda Project as YSR’s dream, Jagan said that his government completed the most challenging work of constructing the twin tunnels and dedicated them to the nation.
He said the project would be a lifeline for lakhs of families suffering from fluorosis due to the lack of safe drinking water, as well as farmers who have been waiting for irrigation facilities for years.
Chandrababu Did Not Move Project Forward Between 1996 and 2004: Jagan
Jagan alleged that Chandrababu Naidu hurriedly laid the foundation stone for the project ahead of the 1996 Parliament elections but failed to make any meaningful progress on it despite remaining in power for eight years until 2004.
According to Jagan, only ₹10 lakh was spent on the Veligonda Project during that period, and even that amount was allegedly used for the foundation-stone ceremony and arrangements for the public meeting.
YSR Gave Veligonda a Comprehensive Shape
Jagan said that after Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy became Chief Minister, the Veligonda Project was given a comprehensive structure as part of the Jalayagnam programme.
The project took concrete shape with the construction of the twin tunnels, Nallamala Sagar, three dams, a feeder channel and major canals.
He said the twin tunnels, which are the lifeline of the project, have a combined length of 37.587 kilometres. During YSR’s tenure, 20.333 kilometres of tunnel work was completed, Jagan claimed.
Only 6.686 Km of Tunnel Excavation During 2014–19
Jagan alleged that during Chandrababu Naidu’s 2014–19 tenure, only 6.686 kilometres of tunnel excavation was completed.
He said that his government subsequently completed the remaining 10.568 kilometres of the most difficult tunnel excavation despite facing the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and financial constraints.
Twin Tunnels Completed During Jagan Government
Jagan recalled that Tunnel-1 was completed in January 2021, while Tunnel-2 was completed in January 2024.
He said the twin tunnels were formally dedicated to the nation on March 6, 2024.
According to Jagan, the completion of the twin tunnels represented a major milestone in the history of the Veligonda Project.
Questions Over Rehabilitation of Displaced Families
Jagan questioned why the rehabilitation and resettlement of displaced families had not been completed even 26 months after the twin tunnels became ready.
He also questioned why water had not yet been diverted to Nallamala Sagar.
Jagan alleged that displaced families had not received their full R&R packages and urged the government to address allegations regarding electricity and drinking-water supply in the affected villages.
Focus on Farmers and Safe Drinking Water, Not Publicity
Jagan advised the government to focus on delivering irrigation water to farmers through the Veligonda Project and providing safe drinking water to fluoride-affected areas instead of concentrating on publicity and political credit.
He said the real success of the project should be measured by the benefits reaching farmers and families in the affected regions.
Demand to Complete Hospitals and Medical College
Jagan also demanded that the government complete the Super Specialty Hospital in Darsi constituency’s Dornala area and the Government Medical College at Markapuram.
He urged the government to complete both projects in the public sector and ensure that the intended benefits reach the people of the region.
