'People must uphold principles of unity and integrity'

People should create an atmosphere to foster harmony and uphold the principles of unity and integrity, District In-charge Minister K J George said.

Speaking during the Republic Day celebrations held at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose district stadium on Saturday, he said, “In spite of unity, the row between the states related to border and water issues continues. All should take a pledge not to give room for communal violence and foster harmony in the society.”

He said that an action plan for Rs 380 crore has been prepared under Jaladhare Yojane for Tarikere, Kadur, Lakya and Sakharayapattana hobli in Chikkamagaluru taluk and submitted to the state government for approval.

The government has released Rs 50 lakh to Kadur taluk and Rs 25 lakh to other taluks for taking up drinking water projects. The work on multi-village drinking water schemes is in progress and it will be completed by March end, he said.

The government has chalked out a special scheme for Rs 190 crore for the welfare of the coconut growers. The government will support farmers to take up alternative crops till the new coconut trees start yielding crop.

The minister said that a permanent project, under Shaala Samparka Sethu, to construct footbridges to provide connectivity to schools has been initiated in Malnad and Coastal districts.

The students presented cultural programmes on the occasion.

MLA C T Ravi presided over the celebrations.