Varikapudisela to Turn Palnadu Region Green: CM Jagan

VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has launched the works for the Rs 340.26 crore Varikapudisela Lift Irrigation Scheme that would turn the Palnadu region fertile and green.

Addressing a public meeting after unveiling the plaque here on Wednesday, the Chief Minister said the first phase of the scheme will provide drinking water to 20,000 people and irrigate 24,900 acres in the upland areas of Veldurthi, Uppalapadu, Gottipalla, Srigiripadu, Bodilaveedu, Gangalakunta and Kandlakunta villages.

When the second phase is completed, the project would provide drinking water to more than 1 lakh people and irrigate 1.25 lakh acres. The Chief Minister noted that though the Nagarjunasagar Project was located nearby, the Macherla area remained neglected for decades. “Chandrababu Naidu set the foundation stone for the lift irrigation project ahead of the 2019 elections, for political gains, without obtaining the necessary central clearances and acquiring land,” he said.

Jagan Mohan Reddy said, “In the last four years, we acquired land for the project and obtained clearances this year from the National Board of Wildlife on May 19 and from the Union forest and environment ministry on November 6. This project will change the face of the Macherla area. Some 1.57 tmc of water would be ferried for irrigation and drinking purposes from the project at the rate of 281 cusecs daily.”

The CM said he was committed to the development of the Palnadu area. Palanadu district was carved out with the aim of decentralised development. The YSRC government has spent '8,812.48 crore and '3,087crore through DBT and non-DBT schemes in Palnadu district. The area is witnessing rapid progress with several works in the education and health sectors being expedited under Nadu-Nedu. My government did not stop or cancel any welfare scheme despite the financial difficulties during the Covid crisis and implemented all welfare schemes without fail,” he asserted.

In response to an appeal from the Macherla MLA P. Ramakrishna Reddy, the Chief Minister agreed to upgrade the present 50-bed hospital here to a 100-bed and sanction funds for development works.

Government whip and Macherla MLA Pinnelli Ramakrishna Reddy said this was a dream of six decades. He recalled that Jagan Mohan Reddy, during his visit to Palnadu as leader of Opposition, had promised to implement the Varikapudisela project. “Accordingly all the permissions were acquired and the foundation stone was set today.”

He said the desire of the farmers of this area was to give the YSR name to the Varikapudisela project.

Health minister Vidadala Rajini, irrigation minister Ambati Rambabu, civil supplies minister Kanumri Nageswara Rao and several people’s representatives were present.