Hubballi: Spartan ceremonies mark Independence Day celebrations

HUBBALLI: Although it was a ceremony stripped of frills and pageantry, the Independence Day celebrations held at Nehru Ground in Hubballi on Saturday amid the Covid-19 crisis, was certainly not lacking in either patriotic zeal or fervour.
The absence of children, who have for long been an integral part of the Independence Day celebrations, was conspicuous on Saturday, since the fear of the pandemic had prompted the government to decide against their participation.
Hubballi tahsildar Shashidhar Madayal unfurled the Tricolour at Nehru Ground, and was offered the guard of honour. Although there was no parade, a group of teachers rendered patriotic songs to mark the occasion. Paying tribute to the martyrs, the sacrifice of whom helped India cast off the shackles of imperialism, Madayal called on people to throw themselves into nation building.
The tahsildar also listed some of the government’s marquis initiatives, and called on people to avail of the benefits of schemes. He said that, as many as 1,47,719 families with either antodaya or BPL cards had been given rice, wheat, pulses and kerosene during the lockdown.
Covid-19 warriors honoured
In Ballari, Karnataka forest minister BS Anand Singh unfurled the National Flag, which was hoisted at a height of 150m at the Rotary Circle in Hospete. The event was witnessed by a large crowd. Healthcare personnel and others who had served as frontline Covid-19 warriors were honoured on the occasion for staking their life in the battle against the pandemic.
Creation of jobs, infrastructure development top priorities: Shivaram Hebbar
In Karwar, Uttara Kannada district in-charge minister Shivaram Hebbar, who unfurled the National Flag at the Police Parade Ground, on Saturday outlined his two-pronged vision for the coastal district: Generating employment and upscaling infrastructure in the district.
Emphasising his commitment to ensuring the overall development of Uttara Kannada, Hebbar said that he was keen on heralding an era of prosperity in the district by developing ports, agriculture, tourism and fishing. He said that development of all sectors would generate direct and indirect employment opportunities for thousands of people.
“The government is eagerly pursuing irrigation projects in Kali, Gangavali, Aghanashini and Sharavathi rivers, which will benefit the farmers. Farmers can now assess their crop losses and submit their assessment on an application. The government has acknowledged the need for an airport to give a fillip to tourism, and Rs 200 crore has been earmarked for a new civilian terminal at the Naval Airbase in Karwar,” said Hebbar.
Asking environmentalists not to oppose all developmental projects, Hebbar said that the government would try to reach an agreement with fishermen protesting against the Sagaramaala project in Karwar. He also asked activists not to take up protest against the Hubballi-Yellapur project, which he said would hamper development of Uttara Kannada district.
Hebbar also expressed regret over the violent clashes in Bengaluru, and urged people against taking law into their hands. “The government will take stringent action against anti-social elements indulging in violence,” said the minister.
Karwar MLA Roopali Naik, Uttara Kannada deputy commissioner Harish Kumar, superintendent of police Shiva Prasad were among those who attended the ceremony.