Moodbidiri: Environment, Energy and Ecology are the three key parameters for sustainable development. But, unfortunately these three areas are under threat. Hence, it is high time that awareness is created in the minds of the public, particularly among children, policy makers and government, in order to ensure sustainable development said, Prof Byrappa, Vice Chancellor, Mangaluru University.
He was speaking after inaugurating “Lake 2016: International Conference on Conservation and Sustainable Management of Ecologically Sensitive Regions in Western Ghats” organised by Energy and Wetlands Research Group, Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Alva’s College Moodbidri and Alva’s Institute of Engineering and Technology, Mijar, on Wednesday at Dr. V S Acharya, Auditorium, Vidyagiri, Moodbidri.
“Environment is polluted by various factors. Manmade and natural calamities are adversely affecting our ecological system, he said adding that urbanisation was increasing pollution in urban places by affecting water and sanitation facilities, resulting in environmental pollution and associated health hazards. “At this juncture, man has to think of alternative energy or nonconventional energy roots. There is a vast potential in India. The country is blessed with enormous amount of sunlight, rain water and wind energy and it should be utilised properly”, he noted. Solar panels should be made compulsory in every house for heating and lighting purposes, he opined.
In his keynote address, Dr T V Ramachandra, CES, IISc, Bengaluru and Chairman of Lake conference said, “Western Ghats are spread only in 2.5 percent of the total geographical area of India but unfortunately we are failing to protect this small biosphere. Drape mother earth with green saree and don’t cut down attire to a skirt. To the 5798 Crores GDP of our country, forest contributes only 3 percent which is very negligible for a nation with abundant natural resources.” He advised the youth not to repeat the mistakes committed by the ancestors over generations. Erroneous judgements kept Cauvery issue alive, he opined adding that rejuvenating water bodies, lakes, ponds, and streams could really go a long way in tackling global warming.
Seer of Sri Sonda Swarna Swamiji Matt, Sirsi, Sri Gangadharendra Saraswathi Swamiji said encroachment of lake areas, depleting levels of ground water and regressive mindset of the people towards environment were the three things responsible for all the problems in the system. “Water harvesting and reforestation support retention retain of ground water. Strong laws should be enforced towards protection of environment. Kappadagudda and Yettinahole project should be dropped for the longer benefit of society and environment”, he urged.
Presiding over the programme, Alva’s Education Foundation Chairman Dr Mohan Alva said, “Don’t cultivate anything for fashion. Instead make it a passion or love towards the environment.”
Later in the session the people who served in academics, environmental and scientific fields were felicitated. Gopal Krishna Bhat, Harish Krishnamoorthy, Vishnu Mukhri, Alli Rani were the honoured achievers. A technical session was held after the formal programme. In the first technical session, Ananth Hegde Ashisar spoke about conservation of Western Ghats.
Further sessions were conducted by M A Khan, Alli Rani, Vrjlal and Chaturvedi.
Moodbidiri Sri Jain Matt Seer Swasthi Sri Bhattaraka Charukeerthi Pandithacharyavarya Swamiji, environmentalist Suresh Heblikar, Legislator K Abhaychandra Jain, former president of WGTF Ananth Hegde Ashisar, Vagdedvi Foundation CEO Harish Krishnamurthy, Alva’s Education Foundation Trustee Vivek Alva, Alva’s College Principal Prof Kurian and Bengaluru Vidyanikethan School CEO Vijai Rajagopalan were present among others.
