Mysuru: The district administration, in association with Mysuru City Corporation, forest department and CII-Young Indians (Yi), launched a 'Go Green' project on the occasion of World Environment Day.
One lakh saplings will be planted as a part of the project.
Speaking on the occasion, DC C Shikha said, "To make the city greener, the district administration joined hands with various organizations. As part of the project, we have planned to plant one lakh saplings across the city in a span of three months. A scientific survey has been done to decide where to plant them. To make Mysuru eco-friendly city, we have taken up development works on various lakes in the district, utilising donations of various organisations under corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities. The lakes in the city will be developed and also works like desilting of water bodies and lake conservation activities will be taken".
V Karikalan, deputy conservator of forest, who also spoke on the occasion said, "Environment Day is not just a single day to celebrate, it's a continuous process. According to the stats, India has a geographical expansion of 328.7 million hectare, where only 60-65 million hectare of land is reserved for forest, constituting just 22% forest area which should be 33%. To make India an eco-friendly country, we must achieve 33% forest cover by 2020. On the inaugural day, nearly 2,000 saplings were planted at the government guest house and another 2000 saplings at Lalithadhari Pura."
At the Mysuru Zoo premises, MLA MK Somashekar, Rehana Bhanu, chairperson, Zoo Authority of Karnataka (ZAK), film director Indrajit Lankesh and newly nominated members of ZAK planted saplings. Speaking on the occasion, Somashekar called upon the people to give importance to keep environment clean.
Indrajit Lokesh, whose family members are fond of peacock and have adopted a peacock under zoo adoption scheme, urged people to give importance to animals
and birds on lines of affection given to children.
As a part of the programme, importance of animals, adoption and exchange of animals was also held.
Various organisations including Ramakrishna Seva Sangha, Shri Ravivarma Art Institute, Dealers Association of Information Technology, Terapanth Yuvak Parishad, Regional Museum of Natural History, Sri Ravivarma Art Institute, Rural Literacy and Health Programme, BGS B Ed College, Arivu Organization and Mysore Medical College and Research Institute celebrated the day.
