Mangaluru : The 74th Independence Day was celebrated in a simple manner at the Nehru Maidan in the city on Saturday, amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Dakshina Kannada District in-charge Minister Kota Srinivasa Poojary hoisted the National tri-colour and received the guard of honour.

In his address, the Minister said the government allocated  Rs. 2,000 crore for Smart City project in Mangalore, this includes Rs. Rs 338 crore has been released and works worth Rs 100 crore have been completed so far.

Dakshina Kannada District administration has been taking bold steps to tackle the Covid pandemic. He also stated that the best possible treatment was being provided to Covid patients in the district.

As many as 20 Corona warriors who had contracted Covid and had returned to duty after cure were felicitated on the occasion. Those who were honoured included staff of the District Wenlock Covid Hospital and the Police Department.

Deputy Commissioner Dr Rajendra KV, City Police Commissioner Dr Vikas Kumar, Dakshina Kannada MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, MLAs Vedavyas Kamath, Dr Bharath Shetty and others were present.