In a revolutionary move, Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy is all set to lay the foundation stone for the Varikapudisela Lift Irrigation project in Palnadu district on November 15. This long-anticipated project, in the making for almost six decades, promises to transform the arid landscape of the region and provide a lifeline for both agriculture and drinking water needs. As the Chief Minister unveils this ambitious plan, the stage is set for a monumental shift in the fortunes of Palnadu.
The Varikapudisela Lift Irrigation Project:
The Varikapudisela Lift Irrigation Project, a drought mitigation project, has finally secured the green light and is poised to become a game-changer for Palnadu. Designed to lift 1.547 tmc ft of water from Varikapudivagu, the Project involves a pump house near Gangulakunta. This initiative aims to irrigate vast stretches of land and alleviate the water woes that have plagued the region for decades.
Key Features of the Project:
Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy’s proactive intervention played a crucial role in obtaining the necessary clearances for the Varikapudisela Lift Irrigation Project. His vision for sustainable development, coupled with a focus on resolving long-standing issues, has paved the way for this transformative initiative.
- Drought Mitigation: The Project is strategically crafted to mitigate the impact of drought, offering a sustainable solution to the water scarcity issues faced by the region.
- Land Transformation: With plans to irrigate over 1,29,554 acres of land, the Varikapudisela project will not only change the agricultural landscape but also enhance economic opportunities for the local population.
- Wildlife Considerations: Despite concerns about its impact on wildlife, the project has received clearances, ensuring that ecological balance is maintained. This reflects a careful approach to development that considers environmental sustainability.
- Phased I: The State government’s resolute commitment is evident in the administrative approval of ₹340.26 crore for Phase-I of the project. Awarded to Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited (MEIL), this phase targets providing irrigation water to 24,900 acres in Veldurthi mandal. Villages such as Veldurthi, Uppalapadu, Gottipalla, Sirigiripadu, Bodilaveedu, Gangalakunta, and Loyapalli are set to benefit from this phase.
- Phase-II: An expansive ayacut spanning 1,04,654 acres is planned. This includes areas in Veldurthi mandal, Durgi mandal, Macherla, Karempudi, Gurazala mandal, Bollapalli mandal in Palnadu district, and additional cultivation in Pullalacheruvu mandal of Yerragondapalem Assembly constituency in Prakasam district. Once completed, a total of 1,29,554 acres will come under irrigation, signifying a monumental leap towards agricultural sustainability.
From Paper to Reality
The Varikapudisela project faced numerous hurdles over the years, with proposals remaining on paper and clearances proving elusive.
As Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy is all set to lay the foundation stone for this monumental project, he is set to address the public, emphasizing the significance of this initiative for the people of Palnadu. The Varikapudisela Lift Irrigation Project is not only an infrastructural development but also strengthens a better, water-secure future in the region.
As the first stone is laid, the people of Palnadu can look forward to a transformative journey that brings prosperity, sustenance, and a renewed sense of hope to their arid landscapes.
The Politics
The ruling YSRCP’s social media has started its attack on TDP, led by Chandrababu Naidu on the Varikapudisela project as Naidu had laid foundation stone for the project in 1996, without any obtaining any permissions. The project has never been taken up by Naidu in his 14 years CM tenure!
గుర్తుందా @ncbn..?
— Jagan Squad (@JaganSquad) November 14, 2023
Visionary Stone in 1996 at Varikapudisela Project without any clearances.#VarikapudiselaProject pic.twitter.com/z2EiizlMo1
