India, Feb. 1 -- Sir,

This is to express my strong opposition to Mysuru City Corporation's (MCC) proposal to seek Rs. 2,843 crore in aid from the World Bank for transforming Mysuru into a "sustainable and liveable city" (SOM dated Jan. 28).

Our city's past experience with external funding, such as the Rs. 100 crore loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), has been disastrous. That project was plagued by corruption, unprofessionalism and a complete lack of foresight. Not only did it fail to deliver its promised benefits, but it also placed a heavy financial burden on taxpayers.

Seeking aid from the World Bank risks repeating the same mistakes. It will only serve to enrich corrupt politicians, contractors and bureaucrats at the expens...