AP Transport Minister releases water in right canal of Veligallu project, urges farmers to opt for dry crops

Andhra Pradesh. MADANAPALLE. 6. September 26 Transport Minister Mandipalle Ramprasad Reddy releases waters from the Veligallu project near Galiveedu in Annamayya district on Sunday. According to the agreement | Photo credit: BY ARRANGEMENT

Mandipalli Transport Minister Ramprasad Reddy on Sunday (September 6, 2026) released water in the right canal of Veligallu project in Galiveedu mandal of Annamayya district. He said the government is prioritizing drinking water, livestock needs and groundwater recharge due to water availability concerns.

Talking to the media, the Minister said that initially 120 cusecs was released and after a fortnight the release will be regulated to 80 cusecs. He said that around 0.5 TMC of water has been earmarked for use by the end of October. The administration was also working on a plan to replenish a similar amount through the Handri-Neeva project, he said.

Mr. Ramprasad Reddy said that the district officials would limit the filling of tanks to 30 per cent in accordance with the instructions of the Collector and would not release water beyond the basic requirements. He asked farmers not to rely on Veligall water for water-intensive crops and instead opt for dryland crops, citing the possibility of drought due to El Niño conditions.

“Farmers should not grow crops dependent on water from the Veligallu project and must give preference to dry crops only,” he said, asking them to conserve water to avoid drinking water shortage till the onset of monsoon next year.

“The government is seriously considering facilitating crop insurance compensation in cases where crops have suffered losses due to lack of water. Irrigation officials should ensure effective distribution through canals and reservoirs and monitor water flow,” the minister said.

Senior officials of Handri-Neeva Sujala Sravanthi, Veligallu Irrigation and Project Department were present.

Published – 06 Sep 2026 19:43 IST