World Environment Day was celebrated across the city and the region to draw greater attention to the imperatives of environmental conservation, afforestation and to adopt green technologies, on Friday.
More than 225 saplings of nearly 25 different species were planted by the students and staff of the College of Horticulture, Yelwal to mark World Environment Day on Friday.
B. Huchaiah, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Mysuru, underlined the importance of growing more trees to neutralise the impact of environmental degradation.
B.N. Dhananjaya, Assistant Professor of the College of Horticulture, spoke on soil health and the importance of abstaining from excessive use of chemical fertilizers.
Schoolchildren took out awareness rallies while the district administration in association with the District Legal Services Authority, Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, Institution of Engineers and other organisations celebrated World Environment Day by planting saplings.
Live demo
Nesara Farmers’ Market on the Geeta Road near Ballal Circle and NIE-CREST will celebrate World Environment Day on Saturday on its premises by organising a daylong live demonstration of green technologies for a sustainable living.
Shamsundar, head of NIE-CREST, will inaugurate the programme and the demonstration will be on till 6.30 p.m. Exhibition of farm fresh mangoes from Melkote and Raichur is also being organised on the same day at Nesara premises, the release added.
ZP plan
Mysuru Zilla Panchayat will organise different programmes for a month as part of World Environment Day celebrations from June 7 under the banner of ‘Hasiru Abhiyana’. As many as one lakh saplings will be planted in government offices, schools, anganwadi centres, libraries and other public places. The zilla panchayat will also promote renewable energy and install solar lighting system in GPs and other government institutions.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will flag off Hasiru Abhiyana.
ZP president B. Pushpa Amaranath and ZP CEO P.A. Gopal said that the Forest Department had been asked to keep over one lakh saplings ready a few months ago. Those saplings, that include medicinal plants, will be planted at primary health centres, anganwadis and schools. Over 23 departments, including horticulture, agriculture, education and health, will be involved in the programme.
The ZP has also organised a programme to create awareness on water conservation and rainwater harvesting among high school students. Ms. Puspa said it is time for promoting renewable energy and reducing green house gas emissions and to introduce solar systems in all the places. She made an appeal to people of the district to abstain from using conventional lights and electrical implements in the third week of June from 7.30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
