Pondicherry: Chief Minister N. Rangasamy said the Pondicherry administration would soon launch the World Bank-aided Water Resources Development Project (Phase II) at a cost of Rs.16 crore to augment sub-soil water resources.

Addressing a large gathering of spectators after unfurling the tri-colour, marking the 60th Independence Day celebrations in the Indira Gandhi Sports complex at Uppalam here on Tuesday, the Chief Minister said that a detailed plan had been drawn up to safeguard water resources and also to encourage rainwater harvesting. Mr. Rangasamy also listed the steps taken to develop agriculture and spoke about the Government's decision to bear 50 per cent of the premium farmers would have to pay for crop insurance under the National Agriculture Insurance Scheme.

Assuring that Rs.1,410 crore available from the Planning Commission for the final year (2006-2007) of the X Plan would be utilised fully for developmental activities, Mr. Rangasamy said the draft XI Plan submitted to the Centre also aimed at eradicating poverty, restructuring policy decisions, reclamation of farm lands damaged by natural disasters, enhancement of soil productivity and ensuring economic development of Pondicherry. The Chief Minister said in his 15-minute-long address that welfare of minorities, labourers, farmers, students, Government employees, Adi Dravidars, Backward Class and also the weaker sections would be taken care of while implementing programmes.

Mr. Rangasamy referred to projects for promotion of horticulture, extension of services to dairy farmers through the Veterinary Department, enhancing the monthly assistance of Rs. 7,50 paid to aged fishermen, proposal to establish a State-level University in Pondicherry, upward revision of monthly assistance to the physically challenged persons ranging between Rs.750 and Rs.1,000, special employment programme for Scheduled Castes in Government departments and coverage of 10,000 families under the Kamarajar Housing Subsidy Scheme.

A Special Economic Zone and a duty-free port would also be set up soon in order to offer jobs to around 80,000 persons.

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