Mohan Kuthar

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jul 13: The Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, U T Khader, inaugurated the 'Lakh Vruksha Seed Ball' campaign in Harekala. The initiative aims to plant one lakh trees through seed balls, a collaborative effort by Life Nest Trust, journalists from Ullal, and Mangalore University.

Speaking at the event held at the Harekala Ramakrishna High School auditorium, Khader praised the campaign, highlighting its significance in regions where direct tree planting is not feasible. He shared his experience from 2015 when he launched a similar seed ball initiative in the hilly areas of Kolar district.

Khader also noted the historical success of the Million Tree Project in Harekala, led by social worker Moideen, which transformed the village’s landscape. The current seed ball campaign, he said, is a commendable effort to raise environmental awareness among students and the community.

The inauguration saw participation from assistant forest conservation officer P Sridhar, Dr. Prashanth Nayak from Mangalore University's department of biology, Padma Shri awardee Harekala Hajabba, environmentalist Madhav Ullal, and other dignitaries. The students of Ramakrishna School performed an environmental song, and physical education teacher Tyagam Harekala hosted the event.

Khader emphasized the importance of reconnecting with nature and pledged governmental support for such environmental initiatives. He also lauded the contributions of the Ramakrishna School to the community and congratulated alumna Dr Vidyakumari on her appointment as the deputy commissioner of Udupi.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks from the school's headmistress, Ushalata.