ADB approves $100 million loan for irrigation system in Tamil Nadu

The multilateral lending agency Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved 100 million dollars loan to strengthen a key irrigation system and improve water management in the Vennar sub-basin of Cauvery Delta in Tamil Nadu.
The loan funds seeks to

• Support both physical improvements and stronger water management to give significant boost to the lives of coastal communities who do not have sufficient irrigation water
• Strengthen the embankments of six major irrigation water channels in Vennar system to make them more resilient to floods.
• Upgrade water regulators, pump stations and sluices to boost management so that more community members will be tapped to avail water services.

The Cauvery delta is located on the east coast of Tamil Nadu. It is known as the ‘rice bowl’ of the state. Over 70% of the delta population is engaged in farming and fishing. They have unreliable access to water and flooding common during the monsoon season.

About Asian Development Bank (ADB)

• ADB is based in Manila, Philippines.
• Established: 1966
• Members: It is owned by 67 members – 48 from the region including India.
• It is dedicated to reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration.

Month: Current Affairs - June, 2016