R B Jagadish
Daijiworld Media Network – Karkala (EP/SK)
Karkala, Oct 2: "The future of our country should be built by the youth," said minister of forests, Ramanath Rai.
He was speaking after inaugurating Wild life week celebrations on Tuesday October 1 at a programme jointly held by Kudremukha wild life department, Karkala, Bhuvanendra College, Karkala and Bhuvanendra Nature club, Karkala.
"People’s participation in the government’s programmes is essential. Our calculation shows that 30% of the place is necessary for wild life. We have reserved 20% to 21% of land for it. Suitable land near spring or near source of river water will be identified for it and it will be ideal for animals," he said. He added that wild animals are indirectly helping us protect forests.
"There are 107 national gardens in the country. There are two wild life sanctuaries in the state including the one at Kudremukha. We should understand that it is our duty to protect the sanctuaries," he said.
Town municipal council president Rehmat, taluk panchayat president Rashmi Shetty, former MLA H Gopala Bhandary, Sanjay Bijooru, Udupi commissioner Dr M T Reju, Kundapur deputy conservator of forests, Ravi Shanker; social deputy conservator of forests, Mohammed Akbar; Bhuvanendra College principal Dr Y Panduranga Nayak, Bhuvanendra Pre University College principal Ramesh S C, Udupi district honorary wild life protector Rajagopal Shetty, Mangalore honorary wildlife protector Neeraj Nirmal, Kudremukha wildlife deputy conservator of forests, Dr Ramesh Kumar; Kudremukha wildlife department assistant conservator of forests R L Nayak, Mohammed Byari among others were present.
The minister inaugurated the website of wildlife on the occasion. He also gave away prizes to the winners of various competitions held by the college.
Dr Ishwar Bhat conducted the programme.