Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)
Mangaluru, Jul 10: "Towards fulfilling the department's ambitious plans of planting 25 lac saplings every year in every district, we have instructed the department to develop nurseries towards this end. We have already been taking steps in meeting this target," said state forest minister, Ramanath Rai.
He was speaking after inaugurating environmental jatha as part of 'Koti Vriksha Andolana' programme of his department and 'Aranya Mitra' award distribution function held by the forest department at Town Hall here on Saturday July 9.
"As per the promise of planting eight crore saplings all over the state in the previous budget, we are initiating this Andolan (revolution). We have requested people to plant saplings in temples, churches, mosques, and other prayer centres. Saplings are being planted wherever there is vacant government land," he explained.
Chief forest conservator of the city circle, Dr Sanjay S Bijur, said that two lac saplings meant for farmers are ready and invited farmers to take them away. Bijur further said that from next year onwards, saplings planting programme will be drawn up in consultation with corporate companies. On this occasion, 'Aranya Mitra' awards were conferred on Krishna Bhat Balpa Lakshmeesh Tolpady, Chandrashekhar Damle, Vidyashree Friends Charitable Trust, and Mandekolu village forest committee.
City mayor, Harinath, MLA, B A Mohiuddin Bava, zilla panchayat president, Meenakshi Shantigodu, district deputy commissioner, A B Ibrahim, zilla panchayat chief executive officer, Sree Vidya, city corporation commissioner, H N Gopalakrishna, and others were present.
Earlier in the day, an environmental jatha was taken out.