by Vinay Pais for Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (GA)

Kundapur, Mar 30: "We are contemplating to develop a bird sanctuary at Malady near here.  In this regard we are planning to purchase private lands near the forest area at Malady.  This would also help us to extend the forest area and protecting environment of the vicinity," said T V Mohandas, the range forest officer.

Presiding over the World Forest Day celebrations held here recently, he further spoke in appreciation of local NGOs and philanthropists who have been rendering yeoman's service in preserving environment.  The programme had been organized by Karnataka Regional Forest Division and Flora and Fauna Club of Kundapur.

He also appreciated the service of environmentalist the late K L Karanth in planting trees on both sides of the state and national highway.

U S Shenoy, editor of Kunda-Prabha addressing the gathering said that NGOs like Flora and Fauna Club need guidance and directives from forest department to contribute more to the society and to do their work more efficiently.

 Malady Shivaram Shetty, gram panchayat president and the trusty S Rajashekar were also present on the dais.

The deputy forest officer welcomed the guests and delivered an introductory speech. Later a seminar was held in which Dr H Ramamohan spoke on water conservation and its management, T A Mohandas delivered a talk on the protection of butterflies. Muniyalu Ganesh Shenoy spoke on medical plants and Dr N A Madhyastha spoke on ornithology.  Kishore Kumar proposed the vote of thanks.