Conservation of the environment is a constitutional duty: udupi Judge

Conservation of the environment is a constitutional duty: udupi Judge

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, Mar 15, 2017: Udupi Sessions judge T Venkatesh Naik, at Parisara Mitra Shale award ceremony exhorted students that  conservation of the environment should be taken up on priority.  Speaking after inaugurating the district ‘Parisara Mitra Shale’ award ceremony organised by the Udupi district unit of the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board in association with the district administration.

The judge said protecting the environment is prime constitutional duty. “Rights and responsibilities are complimentary. Ethically, it is not correct to enjoy privileges and not accept responsibilities. Global warming and pollution is increasing rapidly. As such every individual should take oath to protect the environment which is high in pollution.  The Constitution also entrusts the conservation of nature to the citizens,” he opined.

The judge added that awareness on nature conservation should be created at school-level. He also stressed on taking up the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan to keep the surroundings and the environment clean and hygienic. The clean surroundings ensure better health and living conditions, he added.

A talk on fundamental rights and the environment was given by advocate Hamja H K on the occasion.
The ‘Parisara Mitra Shale’ award was given away to Sunder Puranik Memorial Government Composite High School, Pervaje, in Karkala. The award included Rs 30,000 cash prize.

More than 300 applications were received and 33 schools were able to reach the final round. The school visit programme was held for 45 days in the final round and 21 schools were selected, said the environment expert Arvind Hebbar on the occasion.