Markapuram: Nearly three decades after its foundation stone was laid, the Pula Subbaiah Veligonda major irrigation project is set to begin delivering water to drought-prone areas, with chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu scheduled to launch its first phase on Aug 31.The state govt plans to store at least 10 TMC of water in Nallamala Sagar during the first phase. The project is expected to provide irrigation and drinking water to areas in Markapuram, Prakasam, Nellore, and Kadapa districts, with a command area of around 4.47 lakh acres.The completion of the twin tunnels through the Nallamala hills is being seen as a major engineering achievement. However, rehabilitation and resettlement (R&R) of families affected by the Nallamala Sagar submergence remains a key issue ahead of the launch.
A view of Tunnel II of Pula Subbaiah Veligonda project ahead of it’s inauguration in Markapuram district on Friday. Pic: Mahesh G
Around 7,500 families from 11 villages — Kalunutala, Sunkesula, Chintalamudipi, Buduncherla, Katamraju Thanda, Sairam Nagar, Mettigondi, Basavayipalli, Lakshmipuram, Akkacheruvu and Gottipadiya — are affected by the project. Joint collector Puli Srinivasulu said around ₹768 crore had been disbursed to 6,206 displaced families, covering about 84.77% of the targeted beneficiaries. More than 1,100 families, however, are still awaiting final compensation and other R&R benefits.The project oustees said their concerns extend beyond compensation. Some rehabilitation colonies are yet to receive basic infrastructure, including proper roads, drinking water and other essential facilities. Families dependent on agriculture are also concerned about the impact of losing their farmland and traditional sources of livelihood.“Our lands are being acquired for a project that will provide water to drought-hit areas, but our rehabilitation should also be completed properly,” said Venkatamma, a displaced resident.Village elder Chennakesavulu said the oustees support the project but want the promised benefits to be provided before they leave their homes. “We are not against irrigation or development. But the housing sites and financial assistance promised to us should be provided before we vacate our ancestral homes,” he said.The compensation amount has also raised concerns among some families. Oustees said the govt has fixed compensation at ₹12.5 lakh, with ₹75,000 deducted towards the cost of a house site. “Can a family construct a house and establish a livelihood with ₹11.75 lakh at current costs?” asked Shaik Madar Vali, a local resident.Another concern is the updating of R&R beneficiary lists. Several people who were children when the project was initiated have since attained adulthood and started families, raising questions over their eligibility for separate benefits. CPM state committee member and AP Agricultural Workers’ Union state president D Ramadevi sought revision of the R&R lists and recognition of those who attained 18 years between 2019 and July 2026 as separate family units. “Every eligible person left out of the lists should be identified and provided the benefits due to them before displacement,” she demanded.Yerragondapalem MLA Tatiparthi Chandrasekhar also urged the govt to address the pending concerns of oustees. He said rehabilitation colonies should have basic facilities, including drinking water and power, before families are relocated.The oustees have maintained that beneficiary lists should be updated to reflect changes in family structures and that no eligible family should lose R&R benefits because the lists were prepared several years before actual evacuation.