BELAGAVI | Aug 16, 2016: District minister Ramesh Jarkiholi hoisted the national flag at the CPEd Ground here on the Independence Day. He also honoured freedom fighters and released a booklet highlighting the Congress government's performance in three years brought by the information department.

During his I-Day message, the minister said the state government led by Siddaramaiah has given priority for the development of the city and the district and listed out various projects taken up by the government in the district.

Later, addressing a press conference, the minister said he will not tolerate illegal sand mining in the district. He warned of stringent action against those involved in it. He said the state government will soon unveil a new sand policy which will address all the problems related to the illegal mining and transportation of sand.

He said he will soon embark on city rounds to inspect ongoing development works. "Contractors must adhere to the quality specifications failing which they will be blacklisted,'' he cautioned.

Former minister Satish Jarakiholi, legislators Firoz Sait, Sanjay Patil, and Vivekrao Patil, ZP president Asha Aihole, KPCC women's wing president Laxmi Hebbalkar, IGP (North) Ramachandra Rao, DC N Jayaram, city police commissioner Krishna Bhatta, SP Ravikanthe Gowda and ZP CEO Bagadi Goutam were present.

(Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/)