Contacts: In Delhi: Sudip Mozumder (91 11) 2461-7241 smozumder@worldbank.org In Washington: Erik Nora (202) 458 4735 enora@worldbank.org WASHINGTON, September 25, 2007 ─ The World Bank today approved a US$64 million loan and credit in additional financing to theKarnataka Community Based Tank Management Project, a project that has so far mobilized 1518 Tank User Groups (TUG) to develop and manage some 1681 irrigation tanks since April 25, 2002, when the original project was approved by the World Bank. The objectives will remain the same as the original project, to improve rural livelihoods and reduce poverty by developing community-based approaches to improving and managing tank systems. The project is expected to facilitate sustainable tank development, ensure meaningful participation of traditionally marginalized tank users, increase agricultural productivity and farm income, and enhance income generating opportunities for non-command area tank users.
The project has made an encouraging impact in terms of increased community participation, higher incomes, and employment generation for poor people in Karnataka,” said Isabel Guerrero, World Bank Country Director for India. "It has demonstrated that community involvement in the rejuvenation and management of tanks is instrumental in expanding access to irrigation, and improving water management practices and livelihoods. Consultation and participation of all stakeholders is the key not only to inducing a sense of ownership, but also for sustainable management of tank systems.”
About 250,000 rural households are expected to benefit from improved tank management supported by this project (including additional financing). It is anticipated that the major economic benefits will be in agriculture and horticulture production, fisheries, forestry, livestock, ground water recharge and time saved in fetching water, which will have a particular impact on the lives of rural women. The project has strengthened the role of women and other traditionally marginalized groups. For instance, the functional literacy program for women, organized by TUGs, has resulted in effective participation of women, even from vulnerable sections, in the decision making process. Overall representation of women is as high as over 49 percent in general bodies and 37 percent in executive committees. In terms of employment opportunities, women workers’ involvement constituted 45 percent of the total wage days. “This additional financing will allow expansion o f geographic coverage-from the current nine districts to another eight districts,” said Prabir Joardar, World Bank Senior Irrigation Engineer and project team leader. “This will bring an additional 52,420 hectares under improved irrigation, benefiting an estimated 69,900 farm families, over 90 percent o f whom are small and marginal farmers. In addition, about 40,000 families from weaker section of the society will be benefited from various income generating activities like fisheries, livestock management etc.” The US$32 million loan is from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and has 20 years to maturity including 5-years of grace period. The US$32 million credit is provided by the International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank’s concessionary lending arm and has 35 years to maturity and a 10-year grace period. - ### - For more information on the Bank’s work in India, visit http://www.worldbank.org.in |
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