Ballari remembers its rich legacy in freedom struggle on Independence Day

Ballari, a pivotal hub in Karnataka's freedom struggle, commemorated its 80th Independence Day on Saturday with solemn tributes to the brave souls who fought against British colonial rule. At the BMCRC grounds, Planning and Statistics Minister and district in-charge B. Nagendra, in his address after unfurling the national flag, paid homage to the district's significant contribution to the cause.

Nagendra recounted Mahatma Gandhi's visit to Ballari in 1921 and the subsequent strides taken by Yashwantrao Hindurao Ghorpade, who facilitated temple entry for Harijans in 1932, ultimately leading to Gandhi's visit to Sandur in 1934. He also highlighted the district's current plight due to a severe rainfall deficit, with Ballari, Sandur, Kampli, and Kurugodu taluks declared drought-affected.

The minister, who recently toured agricultural fields in Halakundi, Mincheri, Vittalapur, Metri, and Siddarampur, assured that the administration is taking necessary precautions to safeguard farmers from the adverse effects of the deficient rainfall. Speaking about development initiatives, Nagendra disclosed that over ₹2,000 crore worth of projects are under progress in Ballari, primarily managed by the Karnataka Mining Environment Restoration Corporation (KMERC).

These projects encompass a 200-bed cancer hospital at BMCRC, a 250-bed hospital and blood bank in Sandur, 36 hostels for backward-class students, and the upgradation of 243 schools. The government is also planning a ₹55-crore Bengaluru Bio-Innovation Centre, infrastructure upgrades at industrial training institutes and polytechnics, and the establishment of a Mega Skill Academy in Sandur.

Nagendra emphasized the government's efforts against illegal encroachments, noting that 126 acres of encroached government land have been reclaimed in Ballari City Corporation limits, valued at ₹551.25 crore, which would be reserved for public facilities. Earlier, Nagendra paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at his statue in Dr. Rajkumar Park and hoisted the national flag at H.R. Gaviappa Circle in the city.