Ballari remembers freedom struggle on 80th Independence Day

Ballari celebrated its 80th Independence Day on Saturday with Minister B. Nagendra recalling the district's role in the freedom movement. Hoisting the flag at BMCRC grounds, he highlighted Mahatma Gandhi's 1921 visit and Sandur's Yashwantrao Hindurao Ghorpade, who allowed temple entry to Harijans in 1932.

The district faces a serious rainfall deficit, with Ballari, Sandur, Kampli and Kurugodu taluks declared drought-affected. Nagendra said he reviewed crops including tur, cotton and sunflower in affected villages. The government is taking precautionary measures to protect farmers, he added.

Over Rs 2,000 crore in development projects are underway through KMERC, including a 200-bed cancer hospital, 36 hostels for backwards-class students, and upgrading 243 schools. The administration also reclaimed 126 acres of encroached government land in Ballari, valued at Rs 551.25 crore, to be used for public facilities.