The Centre has released Rs 200 crore to Karnataka under Integrated Watershed Management Programme to take up water conservation works in drought-hit areas.
Union Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh, in his letter to Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar, said that though at present Rs 190 crore was available with the State government released by the Centre under the same scheme, an additional Rs 200 crore has been released to take up relief measures.
Ramesh said this is the first installment and if required, the Centre will allocate more funds based on the utilisation certificate submitted by the State. He also asked the chief minister to conduct periodic reviews of the scheme to ensure its proper implementation.
The watershed management scheme aims to address issues related to soil and moisture conservation, rainwater harvesting, enhancing productivity, creating livelihood opportunities in rain-fed and degraded areas.
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