The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard) has sanctioned nearly Rs 1,402 crore under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF XVIII), including warehousing to the West Bengal Government in 2012-13.

 This is a 27 per cent increase over the sanctions made in 2011-12, a press statement issued by Nabard said.

 Under RIDF, Nabard sanctioned nearly Rs 470 crore for improving rural connectivity with the construction of 132 rural roads in 16 districts of the State. Non-recurring employment of 177.62 lakh man-days is expected to be generated and these projects would benefit 1,703 villages.

 The apex bank for agriculture has sanctioned Rs 235 crore for 93 projects in 16 districts for flood protection and prevention of soil erosion. These projects mainly pertain to the protection of river banks with proper side slopes to prevent flooding. 

The projects are expected to generate non-recurring employment of 49.56 lakh man-days that would benefit 309 villages and protect 19,660 ha of land from erosion, the release said.

shobha.roy@thehindu.co.in 

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