KANNUR: Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Thursday inaugurated the ambitious green drive, Harita Keralam, the participatory environment action programme in connection with the World Environment Day observance. Launching the drive, the Chief Minister underscored the need for protecting the environment for future generations. “If development is the need of the day, environment protection is for tomorrow. Forgetting the future and the survival of the coming generations will be disastrous,” he observed.
The CM said that the world had become more sensitive towards the problems of nature and environment. “In 1960’s and 70’s deforestation was a major issue of concern. Hunting of wild animals was rampant. But things have changed for good. Today, there are no complaints of deforestation or major issues of animal poaching reported. Instead, afforestation has become a major movement,” Chandy said.
After launching the drive by planting a sapling at the Town Square, he promised necessary follow-up action to ensure that the efforts did not go waste.
The Chief Minister also distributed awards for organisations and individuals for participating in the green drive. Rural Development Minister K C Joseph presided over the function.
