Karnataka gets Rs 180cr from World Bank

The World Bank has released Rs 180 crore to Karnataka for rejuvenating  irrigation tanks under the "Jala Samvardhane" programme.

The Rs 1,650 crore "Jala Samvardhane" programme was launched in 2002 by the erstwhile Congress government to rejuvenate more than 10,000 irrigation tanks. This is the third tranche of funds released by the World Bank.

"The funds would be utilised to rejuvenate 1,450 tanks this year. The objective is to desilt, develop and increase the storage capacity of the irrigation tanks to assist the farming community," deputy chief minister B S Yediyurappa said today.

The "Jala Samvardhane" programme involves community participation, and  villagers would be employed in the rejuvenation of tanks. The payment includes cash and foodgrains on a daily basis.

The World Bank loan, however, cannot be used for rejuvenation of irrigation tanks in the Cauvery basin owing to the inter-state dispute on sharing the water. "We will take up rejuvenation of the Cauvery basin tanks on our own through the minor irrigation department this year. The government has set aside Rs 87 crore for this purpose," Yediyurappa said.