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'J&K water project changed life in valley'; World Bank may raise aid

The World Bank has agreed in principle to enhance the financial aid to the Integrated Watershed Development Project in Jammu and Kashmir from Rs 113.3 million to Rs 205.6 million for the current fiscal.

Over 19,745 arable and non-arable hectares of land in arid areas of J&K divisions has been targeted for treatment by the end of March 1999.

An official spokesman said the World Bank aided project was launched in 1990 and has resulted in bringing about a change in the water table, production and lifestyle of the people of the Kandi areas of Shivalik in Jammu and of Doodhganga area in Kashmir.

The moisture conservation technology adopted in the watersheds of Devak and Ramkote in Jammu has increased the production from 15 to 20 per cent, he added.

He said by the end of March, 44,465 hectares of land against the target of 35,000 hectares had been provided different treatments at a cost of Rs 527.3 million.

He disclosed that in recognition of the progress of the project during its first seven years, the World Bank had extended its life twice. The project is likely to end by March 1999.

He said the proposal submitted by the state government for the second phase of the project beginning April 1999 has been approved by the World Bank and added the second phase, involving Rs 1.60 billion, would provide treatment to 62,000 hectares of arable and non-arable land in Rambiara and Rajwara Karewas of Kashmir and Ramnagar and Akhnoon of Jammu Shivaliks in a period of five years.

UNI