Coalition conspires to stall Veligonda project

Tadepalli, March 7: YSRCP MLA Tatiparthi Chandrasekhar accused the coalition government of sabotaging the Veligonda Project by underfunding it, allocating just Rs. 359 crore this year against the Rs. 4,000 crore needed for completion. Speaking at the YSRCP office, he condemned the government’s apathy toward a project with a 53 TMC capacity, vital for Prakasam, Nellore, and Kadapa districts, calling it a "heinous" and deliberate act.

Chandrasekhar praised the YSRCP’s past efforts in tackling Erragondapalem’s drought, recognized globally by the UN. He noted that two tunnels from Srisailam were completed, with only soil removal pending, and rehabilitation compensation was raised from Rs. 1.80 lakh to Rs. 12.5 lakh under Jagan Mohan Reddy. Full rehabilitation by January could unlock the project’s potential to store 53 TMC, easing drought with 45 days of Srisailam water.

Announcing a padyatra to demand funds, he criticized the coalition’s meager allocation as proof of their disinterest. He urged Prakasam’s citizens and leaders to join the non-political fight, alleging Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu avoids the site fearing backlash while funneling crores to his son Nara Lokesh’s constituency. “Assets for Amaravati, starvation for Prakasam,” he quipped, calling for united action against the government’s skewed priorities.