BANGALORE: The Government has decided to implement an integrated project worth Rs. 1,980 crore for providing basic facilities in cities and towns of north Karnataka.

The Asian Development Bank has agreed to provide a loan for the project to be implemented from next year.

Replying to D.R. Patil (Congress), Home Minister M.P. Prakash said there was a delay in implementing the project which aimed at improving the quality of roads and providing drinking water and other amenities in cities and towns.

Mr. Prakash said the loan amount had been reduced to Rs. 1,980 crore keeping in view the capacity of the city and town municipalities to repay the loans.

A sum of Rs. 291 crore had been earmarked for development of roads, bridges and drains.

Mr. Patil, who was unhappy over the reduction in the loan amount, urged Deputy Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa to increase the allocation.

A similar project taken up in the coastal districts of the State saw a per capita investment of Rs. 10,617, whereas for north Karnataka, the assistance worked out to Rs. 4,396 only, Mr. Patil said.

Mr. Yediyurappa said he would convene a meeting of legislators from the northern districts and make efforts to increase the loan amount. The Asian Development Bank provided 60 per cent of the funds while the Government contributed the balance amount.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail