AP CM congratulates Poola Subbaiah’s daughters on inauguration of Veligonda project

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu congratulated the two daughters of communist leader Poola Subbaiah, after whom the Veligonda project is named, for launching the first phase of the project on Monday.

During a public meeting at Gantavanipalli village in Dornala mandal of Markapuram district, Subbaiah’s daughters – Sunanda and Vilasini – were honored with recognition for their father’s service to the drought-hit region.

Poola Subbaiah, a former MLA from Markapuram constituency, has spearheaded massive movements to divert Krishna river waters to the drought-stricken western region of Prakasam district due to lack of irrigation and drinking water facilities. Thanks to his tireless efforts, the project was launched when TDP founder NT Rama Rao was the chief minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh.

Responding to public demand, the then Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy named the Veligonda project after Poola Subbaiah.

In a deeply emotional moment, Subbaiah’s second daughter, Ms Vilasini, praised Mr Naidu as a visionary leader. She said their family never imagined they would ever see the project become a reality.

She further said that the people of the four districts of Prakasam, Nellore and Kadapa will remember her father’s services forever. She also praised Water Resources Minister Nimmal Ram Naidu for completing the project.

Published – 31 Aug 2026 18:42 IST