In a significant push for rural development and forest department welfare, Virajpet MLA AS Ponnanna inaugurated a newly constructed residential complex for forest officers and staff near the Koyanadu range forest office in Madikeri taluk. The event also served as a platform for launching multiple empowerment initiatives aimed at farmers, women, and school children in the region.
Boosting Self-Reliance: Beehives and Sewing Machines Distributed
The MLA personally handed over two beehive boxes each to 30 local farmers, a move designed to promote apiculture and create sustainable income sources. Addressing the gathering, Ponnanna stated that the primary aim of distributing the beekeeping boxes was to make the beneficiaries self-reliant. In a parallel initiative for women's empowerment, sewing machines were provided to six women to foster self-employment opportunities. He urged the rural population to focus on achieving financial independence by actively utilizing government facilities and venturing into self-employment ventures.
Digital Literacy Drive for Government Schools
Recognizing the importance of technology in education, the MLA distributed laptops and projectors to the Oorubail and Kudadka government schools. This initiative is part of a broader digital literacy campaign intended to benefit students in rural areas by providing them with modern educational tools. Ponnanna emphasized that such resources are crucial for bridging the digital divide and enhancing the quality of education in remote locations.
Forest Conservation and Infrastructure Development
Chief Conservator of Forests (Kodagu Circle) Sonal Vrishni, who was present at the event, highlighted the various facilities the forest department extends to people living in and around forest areas. She encouraged the community to use these benefits and collaborate with the department in its forest conservation efforts. Other officials in attendance included Deputy Conservator of Forests Abhishek, Assistant Conservator of Forests Sendil Kumar, and Range Forest Officer Dechamma.
Following the inauguration, MLA Ponnanna inspected a newly identified site for the construction of a school building near Koyanadu. He recalled that the back wall of the existing Koyanadu school had collapsed due to heavy rains two monsoons ago, creating a hazardous environment. Consequently, students had to be relocated to the Sampaje government school during subsequent monsoon seasons.
The government has already sanctioned Rs 40 lakh for the new school building, Ponnanna assured. He confirmed that the remaining funds would be released promptly to ensure the project's completion. The inspection was attended by DDPI Basava Raju, BDO Mahesh, and other local officials.
