Amaravati; WB panel to decide next month if probe required

An inspection panel of the World Bank, whose help was sought by Andhra Pradesh for select infrastructure to construct the capital,Amaravati,would make a recommendation by July whether a probe is warranted on charges of possible threat to livelihood and environment,among others.

According to a World Bank official, the Centre and Andhra Pradesh government have requested the Bank to finance select infrastructure works in Amaravati, the proposed new capital city of the state.

The World Bank is preparing a loan of USD 300 million for the project, to be co-financed by a USD 200 million loan from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).

Some residents in the vicinity of the proposed city had written to the panel on May 25 2017, alleging harm related to their livelihood, environment, food security, and resettlement "due to the World Bank's non-compliance with its environmental and social standards in preparation of the proposed project."