Media Release
Mangaluru, Aug 15: The concluding ceremony of the Amara Initiative 2025, in association with Centre for Advanced Learning (CFAL) and a special Mangrove Plantation drive was held near the Netravathi River Bridge, Adam Kudru, Mangaluru. The event marked another significant step towards making Mangaluru a greener and more climate-resilient city.
The ceremony was graced by eminent dignitaries, including:
• Ravichandra Naik - Commissioner, Mangaluru City Corporation
• Dr G Santosh Kumar, K A S - Project director, DUDC
• Dr Sivakumar Magada - Director general, Arabian Sea Fisheries Management
• Dr H N Anjanayappa -Professor & dean, College of Fisheries, Mangalore
• Ganaraj Pavalkodi -head-HR & admin, Syngene International
• Jeeth Milan Roche - Vana Charitable Trust
• Dr Steevan D’Souza N - Assistant professor, AIMIT
• Kishore Attavar
• Ashwini K Bhat – Maithri Hospital, Mangalore
• Vijay Moras – Trustee, CFAL College
• Purnima Prabhu – Principal, ELC
• Dr Smitha Hegde – Principal & research director, CFAL College
• Dr Rashmi K – Botanist & biology lecturer, CFAL College
The programme commenced with Dr Rashmi K providing an update on the Amara programmes remarkable progress:11,000 trees planted so far with a goal to increase green cover in Mangaluru by 30% by 2040. She extended a warm welcome to all dignitaries and participants.
In his keynote, Dr Shivakumar Magada highlighted the ecological significance of mangroves, often misunderstood as waste plants, and explained their critical role as breeding grounds for numerous fish species. He stressed that planting mangroves preserves marine biodiversity, protects soil and wetlands, and sustains fisheries.
Dr H N Anjanayappa spoke on the interconnectedness of fishing and mangrove ecosystems, calling tree planting “a service to society.” He noted that Dakshina Kannada has comparatively fewer mangrove areas and urged collective efforts to expand mangrove coverage.
Ganaraj Pavalkodi shared how a meeting with the district administration six months ago introduced him to the Amara programme. Inspired, he approached Biocon to participate through their CSR initiative, with a vision to plant 1,00,000 trees in phases. He encouraged public and corporate support for such environmental drives.
Jeeth Milan Roche reflected on Vana Charitable Trust’s initial promise to plant 50,000 plants under Amara. Quoting Vijay Moras, CFAL trustee, he said, “Amara’s success will be when Mangaluru achieves 30% green cover.” To date, 10,500 trees and 24,500 mangroves have been planted, with targets expected to be met within the next 15 days. He extended gratitude to the commissioner, Amara team, Vana team, and Dr Santosh Kumar for their support.
The Amara Tree Count Report was officially released during the event. This was followed by an on-site mangrove plantation drive at Adam Kudru, reinforcing the commitment to restoring Mangaluru’s coastal and riverine ecosystems. The program concluded with active participation from all dignitaries and volunteers in planting mangrove saplings along the riverbank.
The Amara Initiative, in association with the district administration, Mangaluru City Corporation, and multiple partner organizations remains committed to increasing Mangaluru’s green cover, protecting biodiversity, and building a climate-resilient future for generations to come.