World Bank approves 11 blocks under IWDP in J and K

Srinagar, Aug 11 (UNI) The World Bank (WB) has approved 11 blocks in Jammu and Kashmir under second phase of Integrated Watershed Development Project (IWDP) to directly help the poor by tapping their energy under the supervision of World Bank mission.

Project Chief, IWDP R D Tiwari explained that phase II was a social sector project and would be named Participatory Watershed Management Project (PWMP).

He said the project included improving yield of traditional crops, milk production, fodder and increase in real household income.

''It also ensures one-third participation of women in Gram Sabha and VDCs meetings and VDC executive Committees,'' he added.

While giving video presentation of the project activities, to the Assurance Committee of Legislative Assembly, he said the World Bank, in second phase, had approved 11 blocks with the sole aim to remove backwardness, poverty and protecting environment.

Altogether 616 panchayats and 1441 villages would be covered under its umbrella. The project had not formally been taken up, as certain technicalities were required to be completed.

Earlier, the Assurance Committee under the chairmanship of Mohammad Yousuf Targami, MLA, exhorted the officers of IWDP Project to implement the schemes in letter and spirit with the active involvement of local people to raise their socio-economic standard. He also observed the need for maintaining more transparency in the implementation of the programme.

Stress was laid for focusing on quick delivery on ground as per the aspirations of the people.

The main objective was to uplift the living conditions of rural people and multiple developments of local areas with the active involvement of village development committees. Coordinated efforts by various departments was required to achieve desired results, the committee maintained.

It stressed for judicious use of funds, adding that sustainable assets should be created as per the criteria fixed by the World Bank, which should prove useful for people for a long time.

UNI