World · India Bureau
Andhra Pradesh revives Veligonda project to tackle chronic drought crisis
The long-stalled Veligonda project in Andhra Pradesh is being revived to address decades of water scarcity, fluoride contamination, and agricultural distress across the drought-prone region. The initiative aims to establish an extensive irrigation network and drinking water infrastructure across four districts.
LSN India ·
The Andhra Pradesh government has renewed efforts to complete the Veligonda project, a water management initiative designed to provide lasting relief to communities battling nearly four decades of drought and water-related challenges. The scheme represents a significant response to the persistent water crisis that has affected agricultural productivity and public health across multiple districts in the state.
The project will create a comprehensive irrigation network spanning four districts and 30 mandals, bringing water security to regions that have long suffered from inadequate resources. Beyond irrigation, the initiative will extend drinking water facilities to drought-affected populations, with particular focus on areas grappling with fluoride contamination that has posed serious health risks to residents.
Once completed, the Veligonda scheme is expected to transform agricultural practices across the region by ensuring reliable water supply to farmers during critical growing seasons. The project also aims to address public health concerns by providing clean drinking water to communities currently dependent on contaminated sources.
The revival of the project comes as the state government prioritizes water resource management and agricultural sustainability. Officials have indicated that the initiative will be implemented in phases to ensure effective completion and optimal benefits to the target populations across the four-district region.