His views

· Increase in number of vehicles is adding to the menace

· Students should use bicycles to reduce pollution

HUBLI: "Unless there is a change of attitude, protecting our planet from the hazards of pollution will become difficult," environmentalist Suresh Heblikar has said.

He was delivering the keynote address at a workshop on air pollution, "Care for Air" organised by BVB College of Engineering and Technology, Eco Watch Bangalore, Karnataka State Pollution Control Board and Transport Department and Government of Karnataka here on Thursday.

"It is time we decided what kind of development we need, as it will ultimately decide what kind of environment we will live in," he said.

Damage

Already much damage has been done to our planet. Further pollution will not only affect our health and environment, but also our economy, he said.

Mr. Heblikar called upon students to use bicycles. He spoke at length on the impact of air pollution, which he said, is caused by the drastic increase in the number of vehicles. Jayanna, Senior Manager (R&D), MICO, called upon the students to use more of public transport. Technology has helped us a lot, but it has made us lazy too, he said. "Maintain your vehicles properly so that at least the extent of pollution comes down," he said.

Presiding over the function, Ashok Shettar, principal of the college, said that it is sad that even educated people ignore the adverse impacts on others while they avail themselves of the benefits of technology.

There should be a sense of collective responsibility in conserving our planet, he said.

Senior lecturers of the college and officials of KSPCB and Transport Department were present.