World Bank approves $363 million loan for clean drinking water in rural Karnataka

Tags: State News

The World Bank has given a $363 million loan to the state of Karnataka in India, which will help provide clean drinking water to two million rural households.

An Overview of the News

• It aims to establish piped water connections to households across the state, including construction of drinking water distribution networks and installation of water metres, and the initiative is expected to benefit around 10 million people in all 31 districts of the state.

• The loan is part of the Karnataka Sustainable Rural Water Supply programme, which aims to improve the operational efficiency of rural water supply services.

• The World Bank loan has a special focus on promoting gender equality, as women typically bear the greatest burden of fetching water.

• The program aims to revive 500 rural water reservoirs in seven water-stressed districts, which will help increase water storage capacity and groundwater recharge.

• Around 3,000 rural women will receive on-the-job skill training to be employed as plumbers.

• The program will strive to demonstrate 24/7 water supply service in at least 500 gram panchayats and enhance the capacity of rural local governments to manage water supply services efficiently.

About the World Bank

• It is an international financial institution. It was established in 1944 and is headquartered in Washington, D.C.

• The World Bank is made up of two institutions: the IBRD and the IDA.

• The Bank provides loans, grants, policy advice and technical assistance to developing countries.

• The World Bank Group includes other institutions such as the IFC and MIGA.

• The mission of the World Bank is to help countries achieve their development goals and improve the lives of people around the world.