Media Release

Udupi, Dec 11: “The forest department should encourage and give priority to grow fruit-bearing plants in the forest instead of planting acacia trees. Acacia will lead to draining underground water. Fruit trees will enhance the fertility of the soil and increases the beauty of forest. This will help to increase ground water. If the home ministry, revenue and forest department work together, we can conserve forests,” said MLA Raghupati Bhat.

He was speaking after inaugurating the New Year diary release and felicitation programme, organised by Karnataka State Forest Conservers Association, Kundapur Sub Division and Kudremukh Wildlife Sanctuary Karkala at Sheshashayana hall on Saturday December 11.

He further said, “We should start growing fruit-bearing trees in the district if we face cannot face wildlife in the forests. Sometimes cutting trees is necessary while doing development work. But we should plant 10 trees for one tree lost. In that way, the department has planned to plant 10,000 saplings from Brahmavar to Pethri. The Forest department should work even effectively. Maintaining balance in the environment is everyone’s duty. There be good bonding and coordination between forest officials and people’s representatives in this regard.”

Prakash Netalkar, chief forest conservation officer, Mangaluru circle said, “People have realized the importance of oxygen after Covid. It is very important to share the Forest department’s duty with the public. The association should get united to strengthen itself. Protest is not the only way to get our rights. Come to us and communicate and we will put in full effort to fulfil their demands.”

Retired forest officials and winners in national level sports were honoured by the association.

Keshav Poojary M, president, Karnataka State Kudremukh Wildlife Division, Karkala, presided over the programme.

Ashish Reddy M V, deputy forest conservation officer, Kundapur regional division, Ruthren P, deputy forest conservator, Kudremukh Wildlife Division, Karkala, Subrahmanya Sherigar, president, State Government Employees Association, H Devaraja Pana, honourary president, Kudremukh Wildlife Division, Karkala, Subrahmanya Acharya, Udupi zone forest officer, Ganapati Nayak, honorary advisor and others were present.