Veligonda Project to Transform Markapuram's Water Crisis
The Poola Subbaiah Veligonda Project aims to transform water scarcity in Markapuram district by providing irrigation to 4.5 lakh acres of land and drinking water to 16 lakh people. The project addresses fluoride contamination issues and highlights the government's comprehensive development strategy.
Highlights
- •Veligonda Project is set to make Markapuram drought-free
- •Aims to provide irrigation for 4.5 lakh acres of land
- •Addresses the critical issue of high-level fluoride contamination in Markapuram district
- •Project monitored by Irrigation Minister Dr Nimmala Ramanaidu
Markapuram, a district in the backward western Prakasam region of Andhra Pradesh, is set to get a ray of sunshine through the completion of the Poola Subbaiah Veligonda Project. The project, spearheaded by the AP State 20-Point Programme Implementation Committee chairman Lanka Dinakar, promises to be not only a panacea for its water woes but also an epitome of district development. Speaking during a press conference in Markapuram on Sunday, Dinakar highlighted the necessity and imminent benefits of this project.
The Veligonda Project aims to provide drinking water to 16 lakh people and irrigation facility to 4.5 lakh acres of land. This is the government's commitment towards ensuring water security for the region, making Markapuram a drought-free area in the near future. The project's progress has been closely monitored by the state minister for irrigation, Dr Nimmala Ramanaidu.
Addressing Fluoride Contamination
Finding a solution to water quality issues is also part of this ambitious development plan. With Markapuram district ranking 14th in terms of fluoride contamination, the Veligonda Project is seen as a silver lining for communities like Kanigiri which are currently grappling with high levels of fluorosis.
Dinakar stated that a comprehensive report on the region's developmental needs has been submitted to the Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. The coalition government's decision to merge Donakonda and Kurichedu mandals into Markapuram district is another step towards achieving holistic regional development, citing historical landmarks such as Cumbum tank, Sri Lakshmi Chennakesava Swamy temple, Tripurantakam's Bala Tripura Sundari temple, and the Ishta Kameswari temple in the Nallamala forests.
Noting that the previous government completed the project prematurely without full completion of works, Dinakar emphasized the importance of accuracy in developmental projects to avoid the risks of unmet expectations. The Veligonda Project is a testament to government commitment and its role in sustainable development, bringing together resources from both state and central levels.
