Veligonda Project Inauguration on August 31 Rekindles Krishna Water Dispute

The Veligonda project, a long-awaited irrigation initiative in Andhra Pradesh, is scheduled for inauguration by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on August 31. This milestone comes nearly three decades after the project was first envisioned, with officials now finalizing arrangements for the event, including regulator gate installations and preparations at the Jalaharathi ghat and pylon.

However, the upcoming inauguration has reignited tensions between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana over Krishna river water sharing. Former Telangana Irrigation Minister and BRS leader T. Harish Rao has alleged that Andhra Pradesh has already diverted 11 TMC of Krishna water from Srisailam through the Veligonda tunnel, prior to the official launch. Rao's remarks were part of a broader criticism of the Telangana Congress government's handling of Krishna water management, particularly in light of recent developments at Nagarjuna Sagar.

Rao questioned how Andhra Pradesh could draw water before the Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) had approved the state's request for 47 TMC. He pointed out that the committee meeting to discuss this request had been postponed, raising concerns about the process. Additionally, Rao accused the Telangana government of not fully utilizing its temporary water share in the previous two years and called on Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy to intervene and ensure Telangana's interests are protected.

Andhra Pradesh Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu, after inspecting the site, emphasized that the Veligonda project would finally become a reality on August 31, fulfilling a long-standing aspiration for the region. The inauguration is expected to draw significant public attention, as the project has been a subject of anticipation since it was first reported as a major regional development in August.