BANASHANKARI JATRA HELD;

Madikeri December 10, 2007

Banashankari Amma jatra was held with fervor yesterday at Hebbale.

The Jatra was witnessed by hundreds of devotees hailing from in and around Hebbale and bordering villages of Hassan and Mysore.

A grand procession was taken out in the main street of the otherwise sleeping town Hebbale. Decorated with glittering lights, mantapam of Banashankari amma and others was the main attraction of the jatra. The procession began after pooja at the temple.

Banashankari Amma jatra is a combination of old rituals with modern fervor.

PLANTERS THREATEN TO PICKET COFFEE BOARD;

Small growers from Somwarpet have decided to picket Coffee Board to protest against delay in paying coffee insurance.

Addressing a press conference yesterday at Somwarpet, president of the small growers association, Somwarpet said that about 12 thousand growers are awaiting payment of crop insurance since four months in the district and the coffee board and insurance officials are dodging payment.

He said that applications were sought by the board with a promise to pay crop insurance around rupees eight thousand per hectare and it is not materialized. Suresh said that they will picket coffee board office on this 20th, if action for payment is not initiated by the board.

Suresh said that they are also protesting non implementation of Vidarba package, non payment of compensation to rain damage caused to pepper and paddy.

Secretary Somashekar, past president B.S.Siddappa and other office bearers were present.

DROWNS IN THE WELL;

Nagaraj, 35 died as he drowned in an open well on Saturday.

Nagaraj slipped into the well at Alekatte in Somwarpet as he was trying to lift water.

His death was mourned by Somwarpet drivers association, as he was a member.

He leaves parents.