Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (KR/EP)

Udupi, Jul 22: Catholic Sabha, here held mass Vanamahotsava to create awareness on environment.

“It is possible to create clean environment if local groups join hands. The vicinity of religious places should also look beautiful with saplings and trees,” said Catholic Sabha Udupi president Alwyn Quadros.

He was speaking after setting in motion Vanamahotsava programme of planting saplings in 54 churches of Udupi diocese at the same time after planting a sapling in St John’s church, Shankerpura. “It is not sufficient if we celebrate Vanamahotsava one day a year. On the contrary it is necessary to take the initiative everyday so that nature does not face disasters,” he said.

“Planting hundreds of saplings and making sure that they grow is the goal of Vanamahotsava. Everybody needs to take care of the environment. Vehicles run everyday. Saplings and trees are destroyed. Use of plastic is increasing causing increased environment pollution and temperature. Rain and cultivation are decreasing. Everybody should try to maintain nature’s equilibrium. It is necessary for us to introspect,” he said.

As more than 600 saplings each were planted in 54 parish premises on suggestions from Catholic Sabha, Udupi, more than ten thousand saplings were distributed among people. 2000 saplings were distributed in Kalyanpur, nearly 1500 saplings were distributed in Shirva, 2000 saplings in Kundapur, 1000 saplings in Karkala and 1500 saplings in Udupi.

Catholic Sabha has asked to plant and sincerely take care of the saplings taken home by people and inform of the growth to the respective units.