Chandigarh, Jan. 24 -- The World Bank has approved technical and financial assistance (loan) of Rs 5,700 crore under the 'Jal Sanrakshit Haryana Project', with the objective of making the state self-reliant in the water sector.

The Chief Minister, who chaired a meeting of officials in Chandigarh regarding the Jal Sanrakshit Haryana programme, said the amount will be disbursed in a phased manner over six years, from 2026 to 2032, according to a release.

The funds will be utilised for large-scale works in the canal sector. He said that out of a total of 1,570 canals in the state, 892 canals have been restored over the past 20 years, and the restoration of the remaining 678 canals is proposed to be completed in the next five years. This in...