Literary meet: Hassan roads to get a facelift

Public Works Department and District in-charge Minister Dr H C Mahadevappa said, besides Rs 2 crore sanctioned for conducting the 81st All India Kannada Literary Meet (Akhila Bharatha Kannada Sahitya Sammelana), Rs 20 crore will be released to repair the roads connecting the venue — Shravanabelagola in the district.

Speaking in a meeting of the welcome committee, constituted to conduct the meet, at the Zilla Panchayat Hall, here, on Sunday, he said, the government will take care of the necessary funds and it was the responsibility of the people’s representatives, District Administration and organisers to make the three-day event, scheduled to begin on February 1, a success.

MLA C N Balakrishna appealed to the minister to direct Cesc officials to provide uninterrupted power in the town and surrounding areas for the event, during the three days. “The Water Resources department officials should ensure flow of water in all canals surrounding Shravanabelagola for at least four days during the meet.

All civic bodies in the district should deploy civic workers in shifts at the venue to maintain cleanliness. Efforts should be make to get additional funds as Rs 2 crore will be insufficient to host the mega event,” he said.

Deputy Commissioner Umesh Kusugal said, 29 committees have been constituted and all are expected to meet in a couple of days to finalise the arrangements and budget.