The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Sagar canals to be modernised with World Bank funds

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Feb 18, 2005

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Sagar canals to be modernised with World Bank funds

By Our Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD, FEB. 17. A scheme has been prepared to modernise Nagarjunasagar canals with Rs 1,480 crores to come from the World Bank. Announcing this in the Assembly today during question time in reply to a point raised by D. Venkateswara Rao (Congress), the Minister said the World Bank funds would be routed through the Centre. For the time being, Rs 63 crores had been released for taking up 218 works relating to these canals. He said all steps were taken to protect the second crop under the Nagarjunasagar ayacut.

Jobs for displaced: On the rehabilitation of the displaced families of the Srisailam project, an issue raised by E. Pratap Reddy (Cong), the Minister said a scheme introduced for them provided for filling of 50 per cent of vacancies by them in the concerned projects. So far, 85 such vacancies were filled in Srisailam project and 1,714 more people were in the waiting list.

Veterinary colleges: The Animal Husbandry Minister, G. Surya Rao, told G. Chinna Reddy, (Congress) and others that proposals were on the cards to establish five veterinary polytechnics at Mahabubnagar, Madakasira, Venkataramannagudem, Karimanagar and Garividi.

Cement unit lands: Regarding the lands of the Andhra Cement Company at Vijayawada, the Minister for Industries, B. Satyanarayana, disclosed that the company was not able to go ahead with the rehabilitation scheme as a case was pending in court. He said the Government had given clearance to the company to sell land measuring 2,30,300 sq. metres which was found "excess" under the Urban Ceiling Act but subject to certain conditions. One condition was to clear sales tax arrears to the tune of Rs 10.5 crores and this was fulfilled.

Handicrafts: In reply to another question, Mr Satyanarayana said four steps were taken to modernise the handicraft industry in the State--renovating Lepakshi outlets, conduct of periodic crafts bazars/exhibitions, participation in international fairs and spending of Rs 1.05 crores on promotional initiatives.

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