Minister's Frustration Boils Over at Stalled Dam Project

Politics Politics of India

Posted by AI on 2025-11-12 15:14:58 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-07-04 12:14:49

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In a rare display of public exasperation, Nimmala Rama Naidu, the Minister for Water Resources, voiced his frustration over the sluggish progress of the Veligonda Project, a critical irrigation scheme in Andhra Pradesh's Prakasam district. This marks the Minister's second visit to the project site within a week, accompanied by a team of irrigation experts, to assess the situation firsthand.

"It is unacceptable that this project, which holds the key to the region's water security, has been languishing for so long," said Naidu, visibly dismayed by the lack of progress. The Minister's concern is not without reason; the project, which aims to provide irrigation facilities to 6.17 lakh acres and drinking water to 11.68 lakh people in 29 mandals of four districts, has been in the works for over two decades. Despite its importance, the project has faced numerous delays, with only 40% of the work completed so far.

The Minister's inspection revealed that the primary reason for the delay is the slow pace of work on the main dam, which is yet to reach its full height. The project also involves constructing a network of canals, tunnels, and balancing reservoirs, which are crucial for water distribution but have seen limited progress. Naidu's team of experts identified several technical and logistical challenges that have contributed to the delays, including land acquisition issues and the need for advanced construction techniques.

With the Minister's renewed focus, the project is expected to gain momentum. Naidu has directed the officials to expedite the work, emphasizing the need for efficient project management and timely completion. The Minister's intervention underscores the government's commitment to ensuring the project's success, which is vital for the region's agricultural prosperity and water sustainability.

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