Minister Rai Inaugurates Vanamahotsava, Confers Aranya Mitra Award
Mangaluru: The Forest Department in association with the district administration, the Zilla Panchayat, MCC, District Legal Service Authorities and the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board jointly organized “Vanamahotsava – 2016”, a week long programme to plant saplings under the “Koti Vraksha Andolan” at Town Hall here, on July 9.
Minister for Forests, Environment and Ecology Ramanath Rai flagged off the Environmental Jatha at the Town Hall Premises. Later, a programme was held at Town Hall.
The programme began with an invocation. Minister Ramanath Rai inaugurated the programme by lighting the traditional lamp along with other dignitaries on the dais.
Addressing the gathering, Ramanath Rai said that the forest department has plans to plant saplings in every district and 25 lakh saplings will be planted every year. “We have taken measures to develop nurseries which will fulfill our plans.” He also urged the people to plant as many saplings as possible to increase greenery. “We have conveyed this message to all churches, mosques and temple authorities. We have all directed hospitals and schools to plant saplings wherever possible,” he added.
The Aranya Mitra awards were conferred to 13 achievers on the occasion.
Deputy commissioner A B Ibrahim, Mayor Harinath, MLA Moideen Bava, ZP CEO Sreevidya, MCC Commissioner Dr Gopalkrishna, ZP President Meenakshi Shanthigod, former mayor Sashidhar Hegde, President of Beary Sahitya Academy Mohammed Haneef and others were also present.