Mounesh Vishwakarma
Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal
Bantwal, July 2: State Forest and Environment Minister Eshwar B Khandre underscored the global urgency posed by climate change and global warming, asserting that environmental protection is paramount for a prosperous future.
Speaking at the inauguration of a million tree planting programme organised by Srikshetra Dharmasthala Village Development Project and the forest department in Bantwal, Khandre emphasised the need for sustainable development, which includes the conservation of land, water, animals, and forests.
"It is not sufficient to plant saplings only on Environment Day or Vanamahotsava. Our commitment to the environment must be integral to our daily lives," Khandre stated passionately. He highlighted recent incidents of heat-related deaths, including those during the Haj pilgrimage, attributing tree conservation as a critical solution to mitigate rising temperatures.
Reflecting on traditional practices, Khandre praised our ancestors for their careful use of natural resources and reverence for the environment. He stressed the importance of safeguarding our only land for future generations, urging all to adopt a proactive role in environmental stewardship.
Commending the Srikshetra Dharmasthala Village Development Project for planting fruit trees near forests to support wildlife, Khandre hailed such initiatives as crucial steps towards ecological preservation. He urged for collective efforts to ensure the sustainability of green spaces, reinforcing that responsibility for environmental preservation lies with the upcoming generations.
The event also featured contributions from Virendra Heggade, Ramanath Rai, and various officials, all echoing their commitment to environmental conservation. Plans were discussed for initiatives like establishing botanical gardens and distributing saplings, underscoring a collective dedication to nurturing our ecosystems.
The gathering underscored a united effort towards sustainable environmental practices and emphasized the role of community engagement in safeguarding our natural resources for a better tomorrow.