Identify locations to create urban forests: Swamiji

Team Udayavani, Sep 24, 2019, 4:36 PM IST

Mangaluru: Ekagamyananda Swamiji of Ramakrishna Mission on Tuesday exhorted the district administration to increase the tree cover within the city limits by identifying 50 locations which can be created into urban forests.

He was speaking at the ‘Vrukshothsava-2019’ program organised by Department of Forest in association with the district administration, Mangaluru City Corporation at Town Hall here.

“Ramakrishna Mission members and Swacch Bharat Abhiyaan volunteers are willing to plant over 2 lakh saplings in coming days,” said Swamiji.

Speaking at the programme, district in-charge minister Kota Srinivas Poojary urged elected representatives to be considerate towards forest dwellers and at the same time support forest department in their efforts for preservation of forests.

Citing the example of Padma Shri awardees Salumarada Thimmakka and veteran folk singer Sukri Bommagowda in recognition of their contribution for our country by nurturing nature and culture, Poojary said that the earlier notion that only rich and powerful people will be feted with prestigious awards holds no significance now.

Cash awards and trophy were presented to winners of quiz competition at the event.

Mangaluru South MLA D Vedavyas Kamath, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Bengaluru, Puneet Pathak, Deputy Conservator of Forests (DFO), Mangaluru, Dr Karikalan, DFO Kundapur, Kamala Karikalan and several others were present.