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A high-powered committee in Kerala has approved infrastructure projects amounting to INR 1,441 crore under NABARD's Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) tranche 31. The projects will benefit key departments including Forests, Electricity, Water Resources, Agriculture, Local Self-Government, Fisheries, and Ports. The initiatives aim to improve solar power usage, irrigation systems, waste management, and fish-harbour infrastructure across districts. The funding comes against the state's normative allocation of INR 550 crore under the tranche and is expected to support integrated rural development efforts.
The Kerala government has granted in-principle approval for rural infrastructure projects worth INR 1,441 crore under the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development's (NABARD) Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) tranche 31. The clearance was given by a high-powered committee headed by the Chief Secretary, following a detailed assessment of project proposals submitted by multiple state departments. Advertisement
According to the Chief Minister's Office, the approval follows Kerala's normative allocation of INR 550 crore under the latest RIDF tranche. However, given the volume and diversity of eligible projects, the committee cleared a total of INR 1,441 crore to cover priority areas identified by various departments.
For the Forest Department, projects amounting to INR 159.64 crore have been approved. The funds will be used to set up rapid-response teams, construct new forest station complexes, and upgrade existing forest offices and check-posts, strengthening infrastructure for forest management and wildlife protection.
The Electricity Department will receive INR 199.70 crore to install 5,689 solar-powered pumps, which will be distributed through the Agriculture Department to support farmers. This initiative is expected to help reduce energy costs and promote clean power in farming operations.
The Water Resources Department has been allotted INR 176.42 crore for irrigation-related works, including renovation of canal systems under the Pazhassi and Karappuzha projects. These upgrades are expected to improve water flow and irrigation efficiency across agricultural regions.
The Kerala Land Development Corporation (KLDC) has been sanctioned INR 261 crore for six projects focused on the renovation of paddy fields and ponds in five districts - Thrissur, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam, and Malappuram. These projects aim to enhance water conservation and land-productivity measures in key farming zones.
In the Agriculture Department, projects worth INR 176.14 crore have been approved to establish 26 'Smart Krishi Bhavans' across 12 districts, upgrade paddy-field infrastructure in Alappuzha, and implement measures to prevent human-wildlife conflicts in Kannur. These initiatives are part of the department's broader rural-modernisation plan.
The Local Self-Government Department has been granted INR 165 crore to strengthen the Comprehensive Municipal Liquid Waste Management and Road Restoration projects. These funds will help improve sanitation, drainage, and repair works in urban and semi-urban areas under the department's jurisdiction.
Additionally, the Fisheries and Port Engineering departments have received approval for projects worth INR 243 crore, which will be financed at concessional interest rates under the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FAIDF). These include the upgradation of fishing harbours at Chellanam, Cheruvathur, and Manjeshwaram, conversion of the Azhikode fish-landing centre into a full-fledged harbour, and construction of a new Matsyafed net factory.
Other smaller allocations include INR 44.92 crore for the Kerala State Warehousing Corporation to build modern godowns and storage facilities, INR 36.45 crore to the Kerala Agro Machinery Corporation for infrastructure to manufacture Vajra 120 power-tillers, and INR 69.46 crore for soil-conservation works in watershed areas.
Officials noted that the approvals mark a significant step toward comprehensive rural development by integrating efforts across multiple sectors. The projects are expected to create employment, strengthen agricultural support infrastructure, and promote sustainable use of natural resources. The decision also reflects the state's continued focus on maximising benefits from NABARD's RIDF to meet rural infrastructure needs effectively.
Source PTI
5th Jun, 2025
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