Hemanath Padubidri
Daijiworld Media Network—Udupi (RD)

Udupi, Apr 24: “Society should join in the effort of the forest department to conserve forests and water resources,” said Western Ghats task force chairman Anant Hegde Ashisara.

He was speaking after inaugurating the two-day state-level workshop on medicinal plants at MGM College’s newly-built Ravindra Mantap on Monday April 23.  It was organized under the aegis of MGM College biology department, Western Ghats task force, and Kundapur range forest department.

“Wild fires destroy forests and their biodiversity. Research in curbing wild fires is the need of the hour and recording the precious medicinal plants and biodiversity that perishes,” added Hegde.

“We have woken up despite the widespread environmental destruction. The deforestation has caused shortage of water in Malnad. The Western Ghats task force has been organizing several programmes in colleges to create awareness on conserving the forests,” said Anant Hegde.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr M H Swaminath, vice-principal of APCCF, Bangalore, said that Western Ghats are the abode of biodiversity with potential for study and research.

“The new generation of youth is laying emphasis on becoming software engineers and biology has huge potential to grow. Deforestation has irreversible consequences on the environment and rise in global warming, hence the need to collectively work in this regard,” said Dr Swaminath. MGM College principal Dr P Venkataramana Gowda presided over the programme.

Kudremuk wildlife division officer Prakash S Netalkar, Kundapur range forest conservator Manjunath Shetty, and assistant conservator A Ganesh were present.

MGM College head of department of biology Sapna welcomed the gathering.  Shibharani proposed the vote of thanks. Student Namrata Pai compered the programme.