The Kerala government has just approved a $200 million‑plus push to upgrade the state’s rural infrastructure. The funding comes from the National Bank for Rural and Agriculture Development (NABARD) through Tranche 31 of its Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF).
The High‑Powered Committee, led by Chief Secretary A. Jayathilak, gave the green light after reviewing dozens of project proposals against the state’s allocated ₹550 crore. The final approvals total ₹1,441.24 crore (about $200 million).
Key Highlights
- Forest Department – ₹159.64 crore to set up rapid‑response units, new forest station complexes and upgrade office infrastructure.
- Electricity Department – ₹199.70 crore will fund 5,689 solar‑powered pumps that plant farmers can use, boosting irrigation and cutting electricity costs.
- Water Resources Department – ₹176.42 crore earmarked for renovating canals in the Pazhassi and Karapuzha irrigation projects, improving water flow to villages.
- Land Development – Kerala Land Development Corporation will spend ₹261 crore on six projects across Thrissur, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam and Malappuram to rejuvenate paddy fields and ponds.
- Social Justice Department – ₹73 crore will build a 250‑bed rehabilitation hospital and an academic block at NIPMER, supporting health and education services.
- Agriculture Department – ₹176.14 crore will cover 26 “Smart Krishibhavans”, upgrade infrastructure in Alappuzha’s paddy clusters, and help address wildlife conflict in Kannur.
- Coastal Shipping & Inland Navigation – ₹217 crore funds new boat jetties at Mayyil and Mullakodi and six bridges across the Thiruvananthapuram (TS) Canal.
- Warehousing & Machinery – The Kerala State Warehousing Corporation gets ₹44.92 crore to build modern storage facilities, while the Kerala Agro Machinery Corporation receives ₹36.45 crore to upgrade its Vajra 120 power tiller production line.
- Local Self‑Government – ₹165 crore will go toward liquid waste management and road restoration projects, improving local infrastructure and public health.
- Soil Survey – ₹69.46 crore will fund soil conservation works, preserving the soil quality essential for farming.
The plan also includes a ₹243 crore package under the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF). This will upgrade harbours at Chellanam, Cheruvathur and Manjeshwaram, supporting local fishermen and boosting the aquaculture sector at a concessional interest rate.
With investments spread across forests, irrigation, agriculture, fisheries and local governance, Kerala aims to strengthen rural communities, sustain agriculture, improve water use, and support sustainable livelihoods. This comprehensive upgrade signals the state’s commitment to boosting regional development and ensuring food security for its residents.
Source: ianslive
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