Hubballi recently witnessed a masterclass in urban logistics and public management during a massive state event that saw the distribution of title deeds for 23,000 houses to beneficiaries. A historic program by the Karnataka Slum Development Board drew over two lakh people. Nutritious and clean food and breakfast arrangements were made for the public attending the ceremony.
The event was graced by KArnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Housing Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Hubballi MLA Prasad Abbayya, District In-charge Minister Santosh Lad, and many local leaders who personally handed over title deeds to the beneficiaries.
Extensive preparations were in place for the disciplined distribution of food. Despite the heavy crowds, breakfast was distributed to over 30,000 people in the morning. A total of 124 counters were set up.
The menu included Upma for breakfast, followed by Pulav, Curd Rice, Mysore Pak, and Saaru for lunch. Arrangements were made for over 1.50 lakh people, along with 2 lakh water bottles.
The team included 300 people for preparation, 200 for distribution, and 150 for cleanliness, supported by 20 water tankers for hand washing. Under the leadership of ACP Manjunath Balaganuramatha and engineers Prasannakumar, Jawahar Jogi, and Chetankumar, the event was managed with high discipline and hygiene, earning praise from the public.
Precision Planning and Massive Infrastructure
The scale of the operation required a temporary city of kitchens and distribution points. Authorities established 124 dedicated food counters to ensure that the “Upma” breakfast reached 30,000 people by early morning without any stampede-like situations.
Transitioning to a full lunch menu of Pulav and Mysore Pak for over 1.5 lakh people required a specialized workforce of 650 personnel. This team included 300 cooks and 200 distribution staff working in perfect synchronization to maintain hygiene standards.
Technology and Crowd Control
Discipline remained the priority throughout the day. To manage the massive gathering, 150 sanitation workers ensured the venue remained clean, while 20 water tankers provided mobile hand-washing stations.
This level of planning prevents the typical “Post-Event Mess” often seen in large Indian gatherings. Assistant Police Commissioner Manjunath Balaganuramatha led the security coordination, ensuring that the 200,000-strong crowd moved through food zones systematically.
Why This Matters for Hubballi’s Future
According to Karnataka Varthe, the coordination between the Slum Development Board engineers and the Police Department set a new benchmark for public events.
For Hubballi, these successful “Dry Runs” in crowd management are essential for the city’s upcoming transition into a major commercial hub. Efficient logistics attract corporate investors who look for cities capable of managing large-scale infrastructure and human resources.