Pics: Hemanath Padubidri
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Jan 9: Noted Kannada poet, K S Nisar Ahmed, expressed grave concern over the impunity with which human beings, who came into being about 30,000 to 40,000 years ago, have been destroying birds and trees, which are of much older origin. He urged the forest department to launch an awareness campaign, particularly among villagers, to protect environment. He stressed that environmental destruction does not stop at cutting down of trees alone, as it has much larger ramifications.

He was speaking after inaugurating the 12th anniversary function of Karnataka State Deputy Range Forest Officers’ Association here on Sunday January 8. The function was organized at Hotel Kediyoor.

Ahmed noted that dwindling number of trees paves way for proliferation of worms and weeds on which they feast on. He pointed out that output of agriculture will decrease, because primarily pollination takes place because of birds. He wanted everyone, not alone the government, to take urgent measures against rapid deforestation and loot of mineral wealth. He pointed out that USA has been conserving its mineral and oil resources to ensure that in future date, other countries will become dependent on it for these things. He hailed forest officials for doing their duties sincerely.

Writer, Vaidehi, who also participated in the function, said that she was aghast at the sight of trees being felled in thousands for road widening. She argued in favour of transplantation of huge and rare trees if they cannot be saved where they are now.

District president of the association, Bhaskar, presided over the function. Executive director of Karnataka Forest Development Corporation, Dr T V Mohandas, honoured the achievers. President of Karnataka State Government Employees Association, Subrahmanya Sheregar, felicitated forest officials who got promoted recently. Former general secretary of the association and Moodbidri range forest officer, P Sridhar, distributed certificates to people who donated blood. Honorary resident of district unit of the association, A M Yogeshwar, in his introductory address, recalled the birth and growth of the association.

General secretary, Jayaprakash K K, welcomed. Vice president, Prakashchandra, proposed vote of thanks. The programme was compered by Suma.