Citizens must be part of afforestation programmes - Minister Rai

Citizens must be part of afforestation programmes - Minister Rai

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Aug 11, 2015: Speaking at the inaugural of the ’Laksha Vriksha’ programme at Loyola Hall, St Aloysius College, August 10, Monday.   District In-charge Minister B Ramanath Rai  stressed that  Citizens should join hands with the government in protecting forests. 

 

 

He stated that hand in hand with the Forest Department, it is essential for the citizens to protect forests. A balanced ecosystem will is the basis for a healthy and prosperous  society. Stressing on the need to protect the balance of nature, Minister Rai felt it was high time that all people contributed to afforestation by planting saplings. Several areas are under water due to global warming. The coastal belt is vulnerable, and we should be keener on achieving afforestation for a safe future.

In order to encourage afforestation among children, ’Chinnara Vanadarshana’ is being implemented by the government, wherein the high school students are taken for a visit to a forest and introduced to the ecosystem and biodiversity. In addition, a novel project ’Hasiru Shaale’ - which teaches children to create gardens on their school campus - is introduced for schoolchildren, said the minister, reminding that trees help preserve groundwater level.

Zilla Panchayat president Asha Thimmappa Gowda suggested every child to plant a sapling, as it will help a great deal in implementing afforestation. It is equally important to keep our surroundings clean and free from pollution. While planting saplings, pick them carefully.

Mangaluru South MLA J R Lobo, who chaired the programme, expressed worry over the vanishing wildlife, as a result of deforestation. He added that an imbalance in food chain may have a disastrous effect on mankind. He was sorry that children were moving away from Nature and getting attracted to electronic gadgets instead.

Aranya Mitra award was presented to Kademajalu Subhash Rai, M G Shetty Baikampadi, Krishnappa Bondel and Vijaya Raghav Padvetnaya.

Zilla Panchayat CEO P I Srividya, chief conservator of forests Sanjay Bijjur, deputy conservator of forests Dr K T Hanumantappa, Aranya Bhavana, Bengaluru additional chief conservator of forests B J Hosmath and St Aloysius PU College principal Rev Fr Melwin Mendonca were present  among students and public.