Udupi/Mangaluru: The launch of a citizen-driven cleanliness app, plans for a Malnad Tourism Corporation and initiatives to recycle temple flowers were among the highlights of the 80th Independence Day celebrations in Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts on Saturday.Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Rizwan Arshad launched the ‘Udupi Civic Watch’ app during the Independence Day programme at Ajjarkad Stadium in Udupi. The app has been developed to help citizens report garbage dumped in public places and ensure prompt action by the authorities.
Independence Day celebration at Alva’s Institutions at Moodubidire on Saturday. default
“The app has been opened for public use in Saligrama Town Panchayat. It will subsequently be implemented across Udupi district on a pilot basis,” the minister said.Residents can use the app to photograph garbage black spots and upload the images. Each complainant will receive a tracking number, allowing them to monitor the status of the complaint. The officials concerned will send sanitation teams to clear the waste, and the complainant will receive an update once the issue has been resolved .Arshad said the state government’s decision to begin recruitment for 72,186 posts across various departments would bring relief and hope to job aspirants.Referring to the rainfall situation, the minister said drought conditions loomed over 164 taluks due to a severe shortage of rain. Udupi district had recorded a rainfall deficit of 29% against the normal average, he said .Precautionary measures were being taken to protect agricultural activities and ensure adequate fodder for livestock, he added.In Mangaluru, Health and Family Welfare, Minority Welfare, Haj and Waqf Minister UT Khader unfurled the national flag at the Independence Day programme held at Nehru Maidan. Khader said the government had decided to establish a Malnad Tourism Corporation to attract domestic and international tourists and give a fillip to tourism in the region.The initiative would create opportunities for local youth and help draw more visitors to the coastal and Malnad regions. Its framework and other details would be announced shortly, he said.A grant of Rs 5 crore had been released for the construction of a well-equipped building for the Health and Family Welfare Department on the third floor of the deputy commissioner’s office complex. Work on the project was under way, he added.In Udupi, Arshad also launched a range of eco-friendly products under the ‘Udupi Sugandha’ brand. The initiative, undertaken by the Udupi district administration in collaboration with V-Care Society, seeks to prevent the indiscriminate disposal of flowers used daily at temples across the district. The floral waste will be scientifically collected and converted into value-added products, including eco-friendly incense sticks and bamboo-free dhoop sticks.‘Freedom Ride’ honours Kedambadi Ramayya GowdaThe Mangaluru Horse Riding Academy marked Independence Day with a special ‘Freedom Ride’, a patriotic horseback procession through the heart of the city. The ride was dedicated to Dakshina Kannada freedom fighter Kedambadi Ramayya Gowda. Six horses participated in the event, which celebrated the courage, unity and patriotic spirit of the nation. The event was led by Avinand Achanahally. Akshamya, Manoj, Huda, Nikshep, Vihaan and Nithyananda Siddi were among the other riders who participated.Church feast and Independence DayThe Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Independence Day were celebrated with devotion and patriotic fervour at Our Lady of Miracles Church, Milagres, Mangaluru. Rev. Fr Uday Fernandes celebrated the solemn Mass at 7am. It was followed by the Independence Day programme, during which chief guest Antony Monteiro unfurled the national flag. The gathering then sang the national anthem.Patriotic celebrations at Mangaluru airportMangaluru International Airport celebrated the 80th Independence Day with patriotic fervour Chief Airport Officer Binu Varghese unfurled the national flag and highlighted the airport’s major achievements since the previous Independence Day celebrations. These included the commissioning of a Category-I Precision Approach Lighting System—described by the airport as the second of its kind in Asia—and the receipt of ACI Level 5 certification for customer satisfaction .A disciplined demonstration by the CISF’s K9 squad was the highlight of the programme. CISF personnel, airport stakeholders and children of airport employees who had excelled academically were felicitated on the occasion.
