FIVE CRORE TO DEVELOP LAKES;

Madikeri May 1;

The Cauvery Authority has sanctioned rupees five crores to develop small lakes in the district.

According to sources, around 22 lakes in Madikeri, Virajpet and Somwarpet taluks would be developed at a cost of rupees five crores. Apart from this, development work at a cost of rupees 1.5 crore will also be initiated around Harangi reservoir.

The Cauvery Authority has been undertaking repair works of roads around reservoir, crest gates and other works on priority. The inspection Bungalow situated in the reservoir area will also be renovated at a cost of rupees seven lakh, according to official sources.

Meanwhile the executive engineer of Harangi reservoir, Lakshmish told this correspondent that the storage of water this season is satisfactory. He said that 0.5 TMC water is stored more, compared to last season. Controlling wastage of water and minimum usage by the farmers has saved water, he opined.

Besides, a round the clock police patrol has been arranged in the reservoir to check any terrorist activities. Visitors are not allowed to carry cameras and video equipments.

A FUTILE CELEBRATION OF BASAVA JAYANTHI;

The district administration yesterday celebrated basava jayanthi with and audience of 8 to ten people!

School children were forced to takeout a procession in the town with the picture of basavanna and they only formed the audience at Kavery Kalakshetra. Though the names of a Swamiji and peoples representatives were printed in the invitation, none of them attended. However, those who were present as guests did their duty of speaking.

Taluk panchayath president Kishore Kumar inaugurated the function and called upon the people to imbibe the qualities of Basavanna in life. Former president of Sahitya Parishath, Rajshekar regretted that the qualities of Basavanna are not being followed by the society. BEo Sridar spoke on the occasion.Tahasildar Somaiah, CI Ramratan Kumar, CI Sundar Raj and others were on the dais.

Assistant director of Kannada and Culture department Damodar welcomed the gathering. Rajappa and group recited the songs of Basavanna.