Human Chain to mark international Democracy Day in Udupi and DK Districts on Sept 15

Team Udayavani, Sep 12, 2024, 8:33 AM IST

Udupi/Mangaluru: To commemorate International Democracy Day on September 15, a massive 100 km long human chain will be formed in Udupi district, announced Deputy Commissioner Dr. K. Vidyakumari. The event, set to start at 9:30 AM, will see the participation of 100,000 people, including school and college students, representatives from various organizations, and government employees.

The human chain will stretch from Baindur to Hejamadi, along the district’s border, with a celebration at the Kinnimulki Welcome Tower in Udupi, where the national and Kannada flags will be hoisted. The event will begin with the reading of the Preamble of the Constitution, followed by speeches on democracy and the Constitution. There will be no formal gatherings, Dr. Vidyakumari clarified during a press briefing at the Deputy Commissioner’s office on Wednesday.

Traffic Arrangements

Since the human chain will take place on the national highway, traffic will be restricted to a single lane for an hour. Vehicles traveling from Udupi to Baindur will not be allowed on the right side of the four-lane road, which will be occupied by the participants. Various committees have been formed to ensure smooth execution of the event.

Participation and Organization

Information has been shared with schools, colleges, and organizations across the district. Local and district-level officials will manage the event, with elected representatives expected to participate. For every 100 meters of the chain, a section officer will be stationed, and for every kilometer, an area officer will be present, with a district officer assigned for every 5 km. Refreshments will be provided to the students, and ambulances will be on standby for emergencies. Various traditional art forms from the district will also be showcased, and drone footage will be captured.

Tree Plantation Program

Immediately following the human chain event, a tree-planting drive will be held along the national highway. Trees will be planted wherever feasible, with support from the forest department.

Cleanliness Drive

In conjunction with the central and state governments, a district-wide cleanliness campaign, titled “Swabhav Swachhata – Sanskar Swachhata,” will take place from September 14 to October 1. Activities will include cleanliness drives, competitions, walkathons, and tree planting in rural areas. Public sanitation, cleanliness at railway stations and water bodies, and awareness programs in schools will be organized to promote hygiene. The Deputy Commissioner highlighted that the campaign aims to raise awareness about cleanliness among the public, especially schoolchildren.

Dakshina Kannada: 130 km Human Chain

In Dakshina Kannada, a 130 km long human chain will be formed along the national highway, from Hejamadi Toll Gate in Mulki to Sampaje Gate in Sullia taluk, with over 100,000 participants. Preparations are in full swing to ensure the event is organized efficiently and meaningfully.

Various organizations, government and private sector employees, civil society members, and representatives from backward and weaker sections will participate in the event. Elected representatives, public officials, self-help groups, and students from schools and colleges will join to make the International Democracy Day celebration a success.

A tree-planting program will also accompany the human chain across the district. Participants are encouraged to share their involvement on social media using the hashtag #KarnatakaDemocracyDay2024, according to a statement from the Deputy Commissioner’s office.