Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)
Mangaluru, Jun 6: "India is one of the leading nations which have given importance to nature with its living style and innovations. There is more concern for nature in the country as nature is considered to be part of religious beliefs. The forests in our country have its own myths and stories. Hence, for us Indians, the celebration of environmental day is not only a day-long programme, but is adoration of nature," said Judge K S Bilagi, Principal District Sessions Court.
He was speaking at the inaugural ceremony of World Environment Day 2018, jointly organised by District Legal Service Authority, Forest Department, Mangaluru City Corporation and St Aloysius PU College at St Aloysius College Auditorium on Tuesday, June 5.
Further adding he said, "Last week, we witnessed heavy rainfall. There was heavy loss of property. Thousands of people faced much difficulty. Many of us must have started accusing nature. But, it is nature’s reaction towards us for mistreating it. Nature taught us a lesson. We neglect nature in our busy lives. Industrialisation and technology destroys environment. Hence, nature has started taking revenge.
“It is our responsibility to protect environment. Protection of nature means protection of human race. It is not a favor we are doing on nature,” he said.
Addressing the gathering, Fr Melwin Mendonca, principal, St Aloysius PU College said, “Students are the real ambassadors of nature. Along with studies, they can learn about environment. Based on their learning, they can think about protection of nature. These days, we all become selfish and are not interested in else’s feelings and issues. Nature is suffering due to this type of mentality of ours. Sometimes, it reacts with natural calamities or disasters. Even then, humans are not learning any lessons. If this continues, a day will come when nature will destroy everyone and everything. So let us start protecting nature.”
In his presidential address, Dr Sanjay S Bijjur, IFS, district forest officer said, "With the slogan of ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’, we are celebrating this year’s environmental day. Day by day, plastic like an evil is engulfing the world. It is slowly killing creatures living on this earth. Nature cannot digest plastic waste. Meanwhile, industrial waste and vehicle omission is destroying our nature. Knowing this, voluntarily we should put in efforts to stop this. If everyone thinks on the same lines, we can stop 50 percent of pollution.”
M R Ballal, president, District Lawyers Association and others office bearers of District Legal Service Authority were present on dais.
Earlier before the stage event, the dignitaries and students planted saplings in the college premises.