While a botany professor explained the destruction of forest cover with data, a poet underlined the need to preserve natural resources through his poem and talks during Vanamahotsava celebrations to launch the ‘Forest for Water 2017’ campaign here on Friday.
B.A. Kumar Hegde, Head of Botany Department, SDM College, Ujire, said that 48% forest cover, which India had in 1947, has reduced to just 21%.
If the trend continues, it would ring the death knell for all the living beings, he cautioned.
Students of different schools are participated in the Jatha during Forest for Water-2017 programme, in Mangaluru. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Poet Nadoja K.S. Nisar Ahmed, who was felicitated on the occasion, recited his poem “Kere” (tank) to underline the importance of waterbodies and other natural resources.
Forest cover could be recreated with difficulty, but it is impossible to restore natural resources including minerals and mountains, he cautioned.
Minister for Forests, Environment and Ecology, B. Ramanath Rai, inaugurated the programme and explained various measures taken by the government to increase the forest cover in the State.
Nadoja Salumarada Thimmakka and theatre and actor Naveen D. Padil were also felicitated.
An awareness jatha, staging of skits and dance performance, planting of tree saplings etc., formed part of the celebrations.