Naidu releases Rs 300 crore for Veligonda project oustees

Vijayawada: Chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday assured that justice would be done to all displaced families under the Veligonda project and declared that the project would be completed by the end of 2027.

Naidu visited Veligonda project works and interacted with displaced families.During his visit to Yerragondapalem constituency, the chief minister inspected works at Gantavanipalle and reviewed progress with officials. He later met farmers and displaced families and handed over Rs 300 crore towards the rehabilitation and resettlement (R&R) package to 2,351 beneficiaries.

Addressing the gathering, Naidu said govts have the responsibility to ensure that those who give land for projects are not distressed.

He termed land acquisition as a sacrifice and said the Veligonda project would change the prospects of four districts, particularly the drought-prone Markapuram region affected by fluoride contamination. The project was conceived during NTR’s tenure, and the foundation was laid in 1996 when Naidu was the chief minister of combined AP.Naidu said Phase 1 of the project would supply water this season to 1.19 lakh acres and provide drinking water to 4 lakh people.

On completion of Phase 2 by next year, the project is expected to irrigate 4.47 lakh acres and supply drinking water to 23 lakh people, he said.He said Rs 905 crore has been sanctioned for displaced families and Rs 300 crore released, with the amount to be credited shortly. Naidu also outlined plans to promote horticulture, agro-processing units and improve connectivity to Ramayapatnam port to enhance economic activity in the region.Naidu criticised the previous govt, alleging that it failed to complete key works and provided limited rehabilitation. He said the present govt has prioritised the project and accelerated execution. He called upon people to support development-oriented governance and cooperate with the NDA govt.