Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (PH)
Udupi, Oct 5: Karnataka Forest Department, Kundapura division in association with Udupi District Working Journalists Association organised ‘Vrakshotsava’ in Saalumarada Thimmakka Tree Park, on Friday, October 4.
The event began with G Jagadeesh, deputy commissioner of Udupi district and Preethi Gehlot, CEO Udupi district panchayat by planting a Champak sapling.
The DC in his address said that the programme is a good lesson for the students to know more about the plants and learn the importance of forests.“Everyone present here must grow at least one plant and hence create awareness. I remember when I was working as an assistant commissioner in Sirsi, people there were against deforestation. The citizens would immediately call the police if they found any trees were being cut. I am expecting the same response from citizens of Udupi district,” he said.
The DC congratulated Forest Department and Udupi Press Club for organising the meaningful programme. “It is the media or the press which plays an important role in creating awareness. Tourists and people in and around Udupi must know about this tree park and only through proper media coverage this is possible,” he said.
He requested people to visit the place and not destroy the plants or environment during their visits. He also requested Udupi forest range officer Clifford Lobo on setting up an information centre where people can learn about various plants and trees in the park.
The DC said that the Blue Flag Certification of Padubidri beach is currently under process. He requested Lobo to ensure that all the trees and plants are safeguarded.
Udupi Artists Board president Purushottam Adve who helped in making beautiful sculptures in the tree park was honoured by the guests in the programme. Various competitions were organised for students and the prize winners were awarded. Roshan on behalf of all students present expressed his view.
Nagraj Rao, convenor of Udupi district press club, Santosh Saralabettu, secretary of Udupi district press club, Kamala, Kundapura division DF, Puneeth Patak were the other guests present.