As the country prepares to celebrate its 80th Independence Day, the Mysuru Zilla Panchayat has made elaborate arrangements to hoist the national flag at all 85 Amrit Sarovars developed under the VB-G RAM-G (MGNREGA) scheme and organise awareness programmes on water conservation.

The national flag will be hoisted by dignitaries at the 85 Amrit Sarovars, followed by the singing of the national anthem. A Tiranga Yatra will also be organised, while local residents and schoolchildren will present patriotic songs, skits and other cultural programmes.

As part of environmental conservation efforts, saplings will be planted at the sites to commemorate Independence Day. The programmes will also focus on creating awareness about individual and community-level water conservation measures to tackle drought conditions and encourage rural people to avail themselves of individual livelihood-related benefits under the VB-G RAM-G scheme, according to a press release.

The Zilla Panchayat plans to involve elected representatives, schoolchildren, villagers, youth clubs, self-help groups, community organisations and officials in the programmes, making the Independence Day celebrations more meaningful.

Of the 85 Amrit Sarovars, 16 are in H.D. Kote, 16 in Hunsur, 15 in Mysuru, five in Nanjangud, four in Periyapatna, six in Saligrama, eight in Saragur and 15 in T. Narasipur.

Mysuru Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer S. Yukesh Kumar said the State government was focusing on creating greater awareness about the VB-G RAM-G scheme and encouraging the generation of more local employment.

“The Independence Day celebrations will also be used to create awareness about individual and community-level water conservation measures and their importance in managing drought situations,” he said.

“At a time when the State is facing deficient rainfall and declining groundwater levels, awareness about water and environmental conservation will be created at all 85 Amrit Sarovars in the district to make the 80th Independence Day meaningful. Those who served and sacrificed for the freedom of the country will also be remembered and honoured,” said Bheemappa K. Lali, Deputy Secretary (Development), Mysuru Zilla Panchayat.