M’lore: Minister Ramanath Rai Stresses Need to develop Broader View on Environmental Conservat

By Robert DCosta
Pics by John V Tauro
Bellevision Media Network

Mangalore, 03 August 2013: It’s everyone’s responsibility to maintain eco equilibrium.  There is no life without eco-environment, and everyone should do their mite in this regard, said state forest, environment and Dakshina Kannada (DK) district-in-charge minister B Ramanat Rai.

The minister Rai was speaking after inaugurating the state-level ‘Laksha Vruksha’ – planting of 1 lac saplings campaign, during a function held at Town Hall, here on Saturday August 3 morning.

‘The environmental conservation is not only the responsibility of forest department.  It has to be observed in a broader view, as its not limited to urban areas, district.  We don’t exist without environment.  The need lies in planting samplings on the plains including conservation of Western Ghats.  Tirupati hill is the classic example in this regard.  The conservation should be continuing process and inclusive,’ said minister Rai.

 

Speaking on the occasion, the former CM D V Sadanand Gowda stressed on the man made disasters caused due to environmental imbalance and also the need to conserve our dwindling forests, stressed Gowda.

MLA J R Lobo in his presidential address, highlighted the need to consider eco-environment, while executing development works.
MLC Monappa Bhandary, acting chief conservator of forests (development) B Shivana Gowda and Shivaprakash, Karnataka Cashew Development Board managing director Nagaraj, chief conservator of forests S Shantappa, New Mangalore Port Trust (NMPT) deputy chairman T S N Murti, Deputy Commissioenr N Prakash, deputy conservator of forests O Palayya were present on the occasion.
The chief conservator of forests S Shantapppa welcomed the gathering.  The environment officer N Laxman proposed vote of thanks.

Earlier, a procession by over 1,500 students was held from State Bank roundabout to Town Hall, with play cards carrying environmental message and the urgency to reverse the situation.

The students of Govind Das College, Suratkal staged a kit on environmental conservation.

The Environment Friend award was presented on the occasion.

The saplings were planted by minister Rai at Town Hall complex and observed the ‘Laksha Vruksha’ message to focus on environmental conservation by planting saplings and nursing it till it grows as a tall tree, was meaningfully observed on the occasion.

The process of filling up vacant posts in forest department underway:

The process of filling up vacant posts including officers and foresters are underway as it has been approved by the state government, said minister B Ramanat Rai, after inaugurating Mangalore range office of chief forest conservator, which was constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 79 lac at nearby Padil, Alape, here. 

The minister Rai also planted a sampling at the new office on the occasion.

MLA J R Lobo, former mayor Sasidar Hegde, acting chief conservator of forests B Shivana Gowda and S Shantappa, deputy conservator of forests O Palayya and others were present on the occasion.