Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)
Mangaluru, Jun 17: ‘World Environment Day-2016’ celebration and ‘Environment Prize-2016’ distribution ceremony organized by the district administration, Karnataka State Pollution Control Board and Mangaluru City Corporation was held here on Friday June 17 at Town Hall.
Prior to the formal function an environmental march from Light House Hill to Town Hall by the students from various schools and colleges was taken.
The programme was inaugurated by lighting the lamp by B Ramanath Rai, minister for forest, environment and ecology and district-in-charge minister along with other dignitaries present on the dais.
Addressing the gathering, Rai said, “The government has focused on the preservation of the wild animals. Accordingly the theme for this year is 'Go wild for life'. Protecting environment and ecological balance is every citizen’s responsibility. Future is in our hands, making it bright by protecting our environment is our responsibility. There is a need for true environmental activists who have knowledge and concern towards the environment. Global temperatures are rising every year. Taking the necessary steps and bringing it under control is the need of the hour.
"Forest Protection Act was introduced by our former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and it has been successful to a great extent in protecting the forests. Along with environment and forest, protecting the animals is also necessary. Since the forests are destroyed, it has been creating man-animal conflicts. Elephants walk on a particular path called corridor. Since these corridors are encroached by people, the elephants enter the areas where people reside," Rai added.
"With the aim to protect the Western Ghats, the Kasturirangan report has been prepared and sent to the central government. Being the forest minister I am happy to inform that Karnataka has the highest number of tigers and elephants in the nation. To plant more and more trees 'Koti Vraksha Andolana' will be held from July 2 to 10. Central government through a committee has opined to scrap National Green Tribunal (NGT) but we have opposed this move and conveyed our message that we are against scrapping NGT," Rai said.
"Karnataka has been ranked second in pollution control in the nation. Through Karnataka Lakes Conservation Authority we have undertaken the work of protecting the lakes in all major cities. Foundation stone has been laid for Urban Eco Park at the cost of Rs 18 crore while Rs 5 crore has been already sanctioned for the same. I urge all to join hands towards protecting the environment," Rai concluded.
Mangaluru South MLA J R Lobo presided over the event. Mangaluru North MLA B A Moideen Bawa, Sanjay Bijoor, chief forest conservation officer, Dr Jayaprakash Alva, member secretary of Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner A B Ibrahim, MCC commissioner DR Gopalakrishna, ZP CEO Srividya and others were present.
Inland Windsor wins Environment Excellence Award
Inland Windsor project received Environment Excellence Award on the occasion. Managing director of Inland Builders Siraj Ahmed and director Wahaj Yousuf received the award from the forest, environment and ecology minister and MLA J R Lobo. The award was given for world class eco-friendly atmosphere and environment conservation practices practiced by the company at Inland Windsor.