Silvester D’ Souza

Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (EP)

Kundapur, Jun 5: “Nurturing saplings is more essential than planting them. 20% of forest has remained in the country. Prime Minister Modi wants to increase it. Gujarat has 734 kilometers of Kandlavana forest in the country. Karnataka should be ahead of it,” said union minister of state for agriculture, Shobha Karandlaje.

She was speaking after inaugurating the World Environment Day at Panchganga Wali riverside on Monday June 5.

“Kandlakadu forest had protected the small island when the Tsunami lashed Andaman in 2004. The forest department has planned to plant 1.50 lac Kandla plants. It creates greenery and prevents tsunamis. While forest becomes the shelter for birds, its roots help in the growth of fish,” she said.

MLA Kiran Kumar Kodgi who presided over the programme said Kandlavana attracts tourists across the country. “It is sad that the number of people throwing trash is increasing compared to those who clean the beaches. Kandla prevents sea erosion and river erosion. Kandla releases the maximum amount of oxygen. Kundapur has become a model for the planting of Kandla saplings,” he said.

Karkala zone deputy conservator of forests Ganapathi, CRZ coastal zone regional director Sripathi and Kundapur zone forest officer Kiran Babu were present. Suresh Devadiga who helped to catch the Leopard in the cage, senior fisherman Babu Devadiga who preserved the eggs of sea turtles was felicitated.

Kundapur zone deputy conservator of forests Udaya M Naik welcomed. Bhandarkar’s college NSS project officer Ramachandra Achar compered the programme. Assistant conservator of forests Clifford Lobo rendered the vote of thanks.