Cultural programmes added colour to the 64th Republic Day celebrations organised by the district administration at General Thimmaiah Stadium on Saturday.

Speaking after hoisting the flag, District-in-Charge Minister Appachu Ranjan said that the government is committed to the integrated development of the district.

“Under Forest Rights Act, about 1,364.37 acre forest land has been sanctioned to 1,112 forest dwellers. Community rights have been given to 26,237.22 acre forest land in 45 haadi in the district,” he said.
Development work worth Rs 3.25 crore has been taken up in SC/ST colonies of the district.

The government has given its nod for the setting up of STP at Madikeri at a cost of Rs 49.56 crore, Kushalnagar—Rs 40.26 crore and Virajpet—Rs 1 crore.

About 74,559 BPL ration cards have been distributed among the poor. As many as 10,654 anthyodaya ration cards have been sanctioned to the district.

About 5,254 cards have been distributed so far. Measures will be taken to distribute the remaining 5,400 BPL ration cards.