In commemoration of the International Day of Biodiversity, activists in Uttara Kannada district initiated a campaign to safeguard the sources of rivers in the Western Ghats. The campaign commenced with a walkathon at the Bedti river bridge in Sirsi on Monday.
Participating in the event were Biodiversity Board member secretary Venkateshan, Yellapur deputy conservator of forests Harsha, Vrukshalaksha Andolana president Anant Hegde Ashisara, and other concerned individuals. Ashisara emphasized the involvement of local leaders, including mutt heads, to enhance participation and raise awareness.
During the Krishi Jayanti event at Sonda Swarnavalli Mutt, Gangadharendra Saraswati Swami unveiled the emblem representing the ‘sacred grove.’ The walkathon, scheduled to conclude by Wednesday, aims to traverse the origins of rivers such as Shalmala, Aghanashini, Varada, Kumudvathi, Sharavathi (Ambuteertha), and Tunga, while shedding light on the ecologically sensitive zones of the Western Ghats.
“We are witnessing unprecedented pressure on the Western Ghats. People’s participation is crucial in safeguarding the biodiversity of the region,” Ashisara remarked.
