Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Jun 5: Senior civil judge and member secretary of the District Legal Services Authority, M Purushotham, said that nature and biodiversity have been contributing in their own way to the survival of humankind and that every responsible citizen must sincerely work towards protecting the environment by undertaking development activities that are environmentally sustainable.
He was speaking after inaugurating the World Environment Day programme held at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Auditorium in the deputy commissioner's Office at Rajathadri, Manipal. The programme was jointly organised by the District Administration, Zilla Panchayat, Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, District Legal Services Authority, Department of School Education, Udupi City Municipal Council, Bharat Scouts and Guides, and Industries of Udupi district.
Purushotham said that human beings receive air, water, and food free of cost from nature, and therefore have a responsibility to protect it. Although June 5 is observed annually as World Environment Day, he stressed that the occasion should not be limited to celebrations alone but should inspire people to conserve nature and preserve it for future generations.
He noted that modernisation, commercialisation, industrialisation, and many aspects of contemporary lifestyles adopted to meet modern needs have become major contributors to environmental pollution. He called upon citizens to join hands with authorities and organisations to reduce pollution by adopting environmentally friendly lifestyles.
Referring to the Constitution of India, Purushotham said that while it guarantees fundamental rights, it also imposes duties on citizens. Article 51A(g) specifically highlights environmental protection as a fundamental duty. He emphasised that the younger generation can play a vital role in implementing environmental initiatives effectively. Children should be made aware of the harmful effects of pollution and encouraged to spread awareness within society. He urged students to plant and nurture trees, maintain environmental cleanliness, adopt eco-friendly habits, and actively contribute to creating a plastic-free environment.
Presiding over the programme, M A Gaffoor, chairman of the Coastal Development Board, said that environmental pollution has reached alarming levels due to human greed, industrialisation, and unchecked development activities. He pointed out that climate change has led to global warming, natural disasters, and various environmental challenges worldwide.
He said that a better understanding of the importance of the environment would prevent people from destroying it. He urged everyone to follow sustainable environmental practices, promote afforestation, and encourage horticultural cultivation, emphasizing that environmental protection is a collective responsibility.
Speaking on the occasion, Rajasekhar B Puranik, senior environmental officer of the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board’s Mangaluru divisional office, said that World Environment Day is observed on June 5 to create awareness among the public about environmental protection. The objective of the observance is to prevent environmental damage caused by human activities and safeguard the planet.
He stated that environmental conservation is the duty of every citizen and is essential for ensuring a healthy environment for future generations. He highlighted the importance of source-level waste segregation, reducing the use of environmentally harmful plastic products, planting trees, and protecting biodiversity.
District environmental officer K Keerthi Kumar delivered the introductory address.
District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) principal Dr Ashok Kamath and Bharat Scouts and Guides District Chief Commissioner Indrali Jayakar Shetty also addressed the gathering.
Dr Raghavendra K Holla, associate director of the Faculty Welfare and Development Division at MIT Manipal, delivered a special lecture.
Additional deputy commissioner Abid Gadyal administered the World Environment Day pledge.
On the occasion, prizes were distributed to the winners of drawing and reels competitions organised as part of the World Environment Day celebrations. Environment-friendly jute bags were also distributed symbolically.
Deputy environmental officer Dr Amrutha A S welcomed the gathering, Avinash Kamath compered the programme, and Rajeshwari of the Environment Department proposed the vote of thanks.
Prior to the programme, chairman of the Coastal Development Board M A Gaffoor, senior civil judge M Purushotham, and additional deputy commissioner Abid Gadyal symbolically launched the World Environment Day celebrations by planting saplings in the premises of the Deputy Commissioner's Office.
Students, teachers, departmental staff, and members of the public participated in the programme.