Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)

Udupi, Jul 11: A total of 1,014 trees were cut to widen the Brahmavar-Seethanadi four-lane road. To compensate for this, a project to plant 10,000 fruit and flower saplings was launched under the leadership of Udupi MLA Raghupathi Bhat.

A formal launch event for the project was held on Sunday, July 11 in Brahmavar. The event was inaugurated by the state forest, Kannada and culture minister, Arvind Limbavali.

Speaking at the program, he said, "We will cut down trees to widen the road and for various other government projects. However, 10 extra saplings should be planted for each tree that was cut, as per the rule. Of the 10 saplings, 7 to 8 will grow well. 1,014 trees have been cut down here for road widening purposes. I have directed the concerned authorities to identify 100-acre land in every constituency for the planting of fruit tree saplings. Urbanization has destroyed our culture. This region is known for joint–families who once lived royally in 'Guthu Mane.' But today, the situation is such that 'Guthu Mane' is displayed. We need to protect and nurture the plants that have been planted here," he said.

Speaking on the occasion, Udupi MLA Raghupathi Bhat said, "There was a long pending demand for the widening of the Brahmavar-Seethanadi road. But it required the felling of trees. We are planning to plant 3,000 saplings along both sides of the Brahmavar-Seethanadi road and 7,000 trees on the other government and private land."

V Sunil Kumar, MLA of Karkala, Meera Sadananda Poojary, president, Chantaru gram panchayat, Lakshmi, vice-president Milo Tago (IFS), APCCF Mangaluru circle nodal officer, Prakash S Netalkar, chief forest conservation officer, Mangaluru circle, Ashish Reddy, DFO Chantaru, village panchayat members, party leaders, dignitaries, locals and forest department officials were present.