Karnataka gets Rs 180 cr for tanks

The World Bank has released Rs 180 crore to Karnataka to rejuvenate 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 released by the World Bank.

"This amount will 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 told reporters here on Wednesday.

The 'Jala Samvardhane' programme involves community participation. Villagers will be employed in the rejuvenation of the tanks.

The payment includes cash component and foodgrains on a daily basis, Yediyurappa said.