Date:10/01/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/01/10/stories/2006011001130200.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Chitradurga chosen to showcase achievements of CMP

Special Correspondent

Focus on water conservation and management

Bangalore: It is barely a four-hour drive from Bangalore, and is known for a medieval fort, some rather dilapidated monuments and temples. Also for its hot and dry landscape and weather and for being considered a gateway to north Karnataka in terms of its cuisine: as much roti as rice is eaten with rather spicy side dishes, along with a variety of dosas and bhajis.

Chitradurga will soon figure in the news as the only district chosen for a roadshow of a different kind to showcase how the National Common Minimum Programme (CMP) is working in the region, according to Deputy Commissioner K. Amaranarayana.

The Inter-Media Publicity Coordination Committee of Karnataka, the district administration and the Directorate of Audio-Visual Publicity will all be behind the week-long event starting on January 12.

Apart from the district headquarters, 112 villages in six taluks will also have simultaneous programmes. The Song and Drama Division of DAVP will organise a sound-and-light programme at the Onake Obbavva Stadium in the town, which will also see an inaugural procession led by 500 folk artistes.

The district is known for a unique percussion instrument, the urumai, and for folk dances.

As the district has seen 56 droughts in 100 yeas, the campaign-festival will also focus on water conservation and management. Since drought conditions severely limit most crops, the campaign will also draw attention to how many farmers are turning to crops that yield bio-fuel.

Health

These two aspects will be very much part of the Government's developmental activities in the districts for years to come.

The public health part will be taken care of with the involvement of doctors from major hospitals of Bangalore such as Narayana Hrudayalaya, Narayana Nethralaya and Mahaveer Jain Institute of Cardiology. At least 5,000 people will be screened and referred for further treatment. The occasion will also be used to promote tourism in the district and surrounding region, according to Archana Dutta, Additional Principal Information Officer of the Press Information Bureau. Proximity to the city and a good road will be attractions for tourists wishing to venture into the interiors of the State from the capital. And to see something of the real Karnataka.