A mass tree plantation programme was organised in Hosapete on Sunday under the stewardship of Anand Singh, Vijayanagar MLA, in association with the Forest Department.
The turnout, in response to his call to participate in the tree plantation programme at ‘Joladarashi Gudda’ on the outskirts of the city, was huge. Representatives of various social, voluntary, environmental organisations, school and college students, scouts and guides, prominent persons in the city and also officials of different departments participated.
Hundreds of trees were planted in the pits, already dug with the help of earth movers during the past week. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Singh said that the trees were being felled in the city for widening of roads and other developmental activities.
To maintain a balance he had thought of the mass tree plantation programme with a target of planting around 20,000 trees. The drive would be take up at other places too in a phased manner, he said. He also expressed his happiness over the tremendous response to the programme.
Drive at school
The campus of S.S. Muthanna Memorial Police Residential School in Dharwad wore a vibrant look on Sunday. Though it was a holiday, all the children were present to take part in the tree planting drive held at the school. Inaugurating the programme, Karnataka High Court judge Ram Mohan Reddy said planting and nurturing trees should be an integral part of school activities.
“Planting of trees not only helped combat environmental pollution, but also create and ambience in the campus which is conducive for studies,” he said. Remembering the role of Salumara Timmakka in planting of trees, Mr. Reddy said her love for trees and nature should be the guiding spirit for youngsters. She had created a record of sorts by planting over 8,000 trees on her own. She had not lost interest in this task even at the ripe age of 83. Environmental pollution would be minimized if all 6.3 crore people in the State plant a sapling and nurture it. People’s participation was necessary for the success of the afforestration drive, he added.
Mr. Reddy has also asked the district administration for effective steps to maintain sanitation and cleanliness in the city.
