CM to people: Plant trees to safeguard environment

Mysuru: Chief minister Siddaramaiah urged citizens to plant trees to safeguard the environment and address climate change and global warming. He emphasized the importance of such measures in maintaining ecological balance.
Speaking at the inauguration of the ‘Laksha Vruksha’ tree plantation programme-2024, organised by Rajiv Sneha Balaga and the Srikshetra Dharmasthala Gramabhivruddhi Yojane Trust (SKRDP) at the Karnataka State Open University Convocation Hall in Muktha Gangothri campus, the CM highlighted that the state’s forest cover has declined to 18-20%, with some districts like Gulbarga and Bidar having as little as 5% forest land.He stressed that at least 30% of forest cover is essential for ecological balance and rainfall.
Siddaramaiah pointed out that people in parts of the country are suffering from heat waves as temperatures have soared to 50 Celsius in New Delhi and other north Indian states. Even Mysuru and Bengaluru, once known for their favourable climates, have experienced temperatures above 40 Celsius.
“As temperature rise each year, there is an urgent need to increase forest cover,” Siddaramaiah said, urging every person to plant at least two saplings this year.
The state govt aims to plant 5.2 crore saplings during this monsoon season. The CM asked officials to ensure the survival of these saplings annually.
CM appreciated Rajeev Sneha Balaga and SKRDP for distributing 20 lakh free saplings to encourage people to plant trees in their homes.
5.2 crore saplings being planted this monsoon
Forest minister Eshwar Khandre said: “The department target to plant 5.2 crore saplings in this rainy season. Last year, 5.4 crore saplings were planted.” He told officials to use geotagging for all planted saplings to monitor their survival and maintain them for three years with proper care.
District minister HC Mahadevappa noted that residents of New Delhi and Bengaluru suffer from health issues like allergies and bronchitis due to air pollution. He highlighted the urgency of conserving the environment by planting more trees and developing eco-friendly initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. He added that pollution also affects life span and longevity.
Former Muda chairman HV Rajiv urged the CM to protect the environment in Mysuru, which is rapidly developing after Bengaluru. He requested funds for the Kabini drinking water projects and to protect lakes and water bodies in his home district.
BR Hills-based Ramegowda and Bengaluru-based Srinivasaraju were honoured with Siri Samvardhana awards for their efforts in tree and environmental conservation.
Animal husbandry and sericulture minister K Venkatesh, MLA Tanveer Sait, Suttur Mutt Seer Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji, Kundur Mutt Seer Sharathchandra Swami, KSOU VC Prof Sharanappa Halase, conservator of forests Malathi Priya were present.