The Aryavarth Express
Agency( Andhra Pradesh): In a significant development for Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy inaugurated the twin tunnels of the Pula Subbaiah Veligonda project in Prakasam district, heralding a new era of agricultural prosperity and water security. The project, which comes with an estimated cost of Rs 10,010 crore, aims to irrigate 4.5 lakh acres and supply drinking water to more than 15 lakh individuals across the region.
The first of the twin tunnels was completed in November 2021, with the second following in January 2024. Spanning 18 km each, these tunnels are a testament to the state’s commitment to addressing water scarcity and enhancing the livelihoods of its agricultural community.
CM Jagan Mohan Reddy, during the inauguration, highlighted the project’s significance in revitalizing drought-affected and fluoride-impacted areas across 30 mandals in Prakasam, Nellore, and Kadapa districts. He also paid homage to his father and former chief minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, under whose aegis the project was initiated in 2004, noting the fulfillment of a long-held dream.
In addition to the project inauguration, CM Reddy disbursed Rs 1,294 crore towards input subsidies for over 11 lakh farmers affected by recent droughts and Cyclone Michaung. The allocation includes Rs 847 crore for drought-hit farmers across 103 mandals and the remainder for those impacted by the cyclone, marking a total of Rs 3,262 crore in input subsidies distributed to over 34 lakh farmers facing crop losses due to natural calamities over the past 57 months.
This dual approach of infrastructural development and financial support underscores Andhra Pradesh’s holistic strategy to enhance agricultural productivity, water availability, and farmer welfare, setting a precedent for sustainable development initiatives.