Mangalore: Minister Ramanath Rai accorded rousing welcome in city

Pics: Brijesh Garodi
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (BG)

Mangalore, May 21: Newly appointed forest minister and Bantwal MLA Ramanath Rai arrived in the city here on Tuesday May 21 to a warm welcome by his well-wishers, supporters and Congress partyworkers.

He was welcomed at Mangalore International Aiport where he arrived by the morning flight from Bangalore, after being sworn-in as minister in the Siddaramaiah cabinet. A music band and a vehicle decorated in his honour were part of the celebrations.

Speaking to mediapersons, Rai said that forest ministry is a very important one in the cabinet. "Eco balance can be maintained if the forest area is preserved. Hence preservation and conservation of forests is my top priority," he said.

"I will strive hard to be a prompt and trustworthy leader, and make our department the best in the coming days," he promised.

"I thank CM Siddaramaiah and Congress high command for making me a minister in the state cabinet. I will remain loyal to the party and do my best to fulfil the expectations of the party and the people. I will call for a meeting with the officials of the forest department and gather all information, and take steps for further development at the earliest," he added.

A large number people thronged the airport to welcome their leader.

MLA Moideen Bava, Praveenchandra Alva, Bhaskar Moily, Mohan Mendon, T K Sudhir, Ivan D’Souza, Ashraf, Shashidar Hegde, Ashith Pereira, Milaz Attavar and others were present.

Ramanath Rai vows to provide pro-people governance
 
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (DV)
Pics: Kishore Peraje, B C Road

Mangalore, May 21: Addressing a press meet in the district for the first time after being sworn in as minister of forest, environment, and ecology in Siddaramaiah’s cabinet, B Ramanath Rai said, “I gladly accept this responsibility. Globally there is a discussion going on about the preservation and conservation of forests to maintain the ecological balance. Many rivers take birth from the Western Ghats and it is our duty to protect nature. The department will concentrate on protection, conservation, and provide a pollution-free environment. This department will provide an eco-friendly and pro-people administration.”

Rai also said that the chief minster is contemplating about this department. “Legitimately, he has chosen me and given me responsibility hence I will provide clean, transparent, and corruption free administration,” he added.

When media persons bombarded him with issues of Kudremukh, Niddodi, low conviction rate of violating the wildlife protection law, and the problem of relocation of tribes from the reserve forest, Rai said, “I have recently taken responsibility as forest minister and I will surely discuss about the prevailing problems in the department with the authorized officials and resolve it.”

Rai also said that there are four ministers in the undivided Dakshina Kannada-Udupi district. “Hence, we will surely concentrate on the development of the district. On the issues of CRZ, we will talk with the Government of India and play a further role,” he added.

“My mission and prominence is to give eco-friendly, corruption-free, and transparent administration. I will concentrate on afforestation and conservation. I plan to organize ‘Laksha Vruksha Abhiyana’ in the future,” said Rai.

He also said that he will not continue as district president.  

MLA Mohiuddin Bava and Shashidar Hegde were also present on this occasion.