World Bank help for Bengal irrigation projects: Pranab

Small irrigation projects worth Rs.1,250 crores will be implemented in West Bengal with the World Bank’s help, union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said here Friday.

“Today I would like to inform you that small irrigation projects worth Rs.1,250 crores will be implemented within the next three to four years. The projects will be carried out with the help from World Bank,” Mukherjee said while addressing a programme here.

“On Dec 21, 2011 an agreement between the state government, the central government and the World Bank has been signed in this regard. Till date, importance has not been given to small irrigation projects in the state,” he said.

Mukherjee also expressed confidence that after the implementation of the projects the problem regarding minor irrigation will be solved.

He was all praise for West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her ability to attract the masses.

“She is ill and is having high fever but still she has come for the programme because of her commitment to the masses,” he added.

Banerjee, along with Mukherjee, Friday inaugurated mega resuscitation projects on the Kapaleswari and other rivers in East Midnapore district.