Bhatkal: In a bid to promote democratic values such as freedom, equality, and fraternity, the Karnataka government has announced plans to form the world’s longest human chain on September 15, coinciding with the International Day of Democracy.

As per the plan, the human chain will start from Bidar district and extend through all 31 districts of Karnataka, reaching Chamarajanagar. The chain is expected to span approximately 2,500 kilometers, which, if achieved, will make it the longest human chain ever created globally. It is estimated that 1,000 participants will join for every kilometer, with a total of over 2.5 million people anticipated to be part of the chain.

Participants will hold banners and placards emphasizing democratic values, collective and personal freedoms, and the rights and duties of citizens. In addition to promoting democracy, the event aims to highlight the importance of environmental protection, with a plan for participants to plant 1 million saplings during the course of the event.

The route of the human chain can be tracked using a QR code, allowing people to join the chain at any point along its path.

The human chain will be formed at 9:30 AM on September 15 and will conclude at 10:00 AM with a collective reading of the Indian Constitution’s Preamble. Following this, there will be a tree-planting ceremony from 10:00 to 10:30 AM.

It’s worth noting that the United Nations General Assembly declared September 15 as International Democracy Day in 2007, and the day has been observed globally ever since.

What to Expect in Uttara Kannada District:
In Uttara Kannada, the human chain will connect with the chain formed in Dharwad district. A 114-kilometer segment of the chain will stretch from Mavin Koppa in Haliyal to Gorte in Bhatkal taluk, which is the border of Uttara Kannada before Udupi district begins at Shirur. The chain will cover a total of 260 kilometers, excluding areas with dense forests and landslide-prone hills.

According to Uttara Kannada Deputy Commissioner K Lakshmi Priya, all preparations have been completed. The human chain in Uttara Kannada will see 700 to 800 participants per kilometer, with over 80,000 people expected to join across the district.

In Bhatkal taluk, the border region of Uttara Kannada, a 33-kilometer-long human chain will be formed. The chain will be organized under the banners of the Department of Social Welfare, Rural Development, Urban Development, Forests, Education, and Kannada and Culture. It will begin at Bailur Cross and extend to Gorte Cross, near Shirur, at the Udupi district border. According to Bhatkal Assistant Commissioner Dr. Naina, more than 25,000 people are expected to participate in this segment.

A Rath (chariot) aimed at raising awareness about the democratic system is scheduled to enter Bailur between 9:00 and 9:30 AM. Around 3,000 participants are expected to join from Bailur to Mavalli. Based on participation, the human chain will be formed on only one side of the National Highway. The police department will ensure security and manage traffic during the event. School and college students, government officials, and a large number of the general public are expected to participate.

Citizens have been encouraged to participate in the program with enthusiasm and to support the cause of democracy and environmental conservation.