Date:27/01/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/01/27/stories/2006012701950300.htm

Karnataka - Bellary

Adopt rainwater harvesting, M.P. Prakash tells farmers

Staff Correspondent

Takes part in Republic Day celebrations in Bellary; opens exhibition of Khadi products

BELLARY: Deputy Chief Minister M.P. Prakash has underlined the need to adopt rainwater harvesting to overcome the possible scarcity of water that is likely to crop up in the years to come.

Speaking after unfurling the national flag and receiving the guard of honour at the Republic Day celebrations at the district stadium here on Thursday, Mr. Prakash exhorted farmers to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and take up organic farming instead.

Noting that meetings have been held with the Chief Minister to implement the 11-point programme to provide basic amenities in rural areas, Mr. Prakash said the State Government has launched the total sanitation programme in all districts to ensure cleanliness in rural areas.

Health, cleanliness and hygiene are crucial for rural development and the Government has decided to award citations to one village in each of the 27 districts where the most number of toilets are constructed.

A colourful march-past was taken out by the District Armed Police, the NCC, the Home Guards and students of various schools and colleges.

K.S.L. Swamy, MLC; Mayor G. Somashekar Reddy; Deputy Commissioner Arvind Srivastav; Superintendent of Police Pankaj Kumar Thakur, Bellary Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer G.S. Shivaswamy and others were present.

Mr. Prakash also inaugurated a 10-day district-level exhibition-cum-sale of Khadi products and those manufactured by village industries and self-help groups, at the Municipal School grounds here.

He also distributed ration cards for families living below the poverty line at Gudarnagar on the outskirts of the city.

Nagappa unfurls tricolour

Davangere Staff Correspondent reports:

Social Welfare Minister Y. Nagappa has called upon youth to contribute for the development of the country.

Unfurling the national flag to mark the Republic Day celebrations here on Thursday, Dr. Nagappa said it is the duty of every citizen to ensure that the country progresses in all fields.