Water Resources Minister announces ₹169 crore ex gratia for Veligonda project displaced persons

Water Resources Minister Nimmala Rama Naidu declared on Friday that the State government will provide an ex gratia of ₹169 crore to residents displaced by the Poola Subbaiah Veligonda Project who turned 18 after 2019's cut-off date. The government has already disbursed ₹905 crore under the Rehabilitation and Resettlement package to 7,027 households, he informed.

Speaking to the media at Markapuram Collectorate, Mr. Rama Naidu noted that Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had opted for a humane approach by extending the ex gratia to those who became 18 following the cut-off date. The authorities received 1,800 complaints seeking inclusion in the eligible beneficiaries list, and the payments would be processed after rigorous verification of the claims.

"The government is taking all necessary steps to ensure every eligible person receives the ex gratia. We will continue the process until justice is achieved for the last displaced person, along with ensuring water supply to the project. We are committed to not causing any injustice to displaced persons anywhere," he affirmed. Mr. Rama Naidu mentioned that the decades-old project to address the drinking and irrigation water requirements of drought-prone areas in Markapuram, YSR Kadapa, and SPSR Nellore districts will soon be realized.

The project is set for inauguration and dedication to the nation on August 31, 2026. He hailed it as a "golden chapter" in Andhra Pradesh's development and praised the district administration, particularly Collector M. Vijaya Sunitha, for her pivotal role in finalizing the project and executing the Rehabilitation and Resettlement package.

The Chief Minister also instructed officials to provide a one-month ration kit supply to the displaced households, Mr. Rama Naidu added.