Moodbidire: Environment, Energy, Ecology are three key parameters for sustainable development. Unfortunately these three areas are under threat said, Mangaluru University Vice Chancellor Prof K Byrappa.
‘’ Hence, it is high time to create awareness in the minds of public, particularly in children, policy makers and government, in order to have sustainable development, said vice chancellor, addressing a gathering after inaugurating, ‘’Lake 2016: International Conference on “Conservation and Sustainable Management of Ecologically Sensitive Regions in Western Ghats” Organized by Energy and Wetlands Research Group, Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore & Alva’s College Moodbidri & Alva’s Institute of Engineering and Technology, Mijar, on Wednesday, at Dr V S Acharya, Auditorium, Vidyagiri, Moodbidri.
Prof Byrappa said that environment is polluted by various reasons, stating that man made and natural calamities are adversely affecting our ecological system, he said that , Urbanization has increasing the population in urban places pressurizing water and sanitation facilities, resulting in environmental pollution, health hazards. ‘’In this juncture, man has to think of alternative energy or non conventional energy roots’’, he said and added that there is vast potential in India, the country is blessed with enormous amount sunlight, rain water and wind energy and it should be utilized properly. Solar panels are made compulsory in every house for heating and lighting purpose, he added.
In his key note address, Dr T V Ramachandra, CES, IISc Bengaluru and Chairman of Lake conference said, Western Ghat is spread only in 2.5% of total geographical area of India, but unfortunately we fail to protect this small biosphere. He added and said, make mother earth wear with green saree and don’t make her to wear skirt. He advised youth to don’t make the same mistakes over generation being doing. Nothing that erroneous judgement kept Cauvery issue keep alive, he said that rejuvenating water bodies, lakes, ponds, and streams can really make difference in preserving water bodies maintaining the temperature.
Shri Sonda Swarnaswamiji Mutt, Sirsi, Seer Sri Gangadharendra Saraswathi Swamiji said, encroachment of lakes area, low level of ground water and our mindset towards environment are three things reason for all the problem present in the system. ‘’Rain water harvesting, green vegetation, planting more plants will retain the ground water’’, he said and stressed that strong law should be enforced towards protection of environment. He also stressed to drop Kappadagudda and Yettinahole project for longer benefit of society and environment.
Presiding over the program, Alva’s Education Foundation Chairman Dr Mohan Alva Said, don’t cultivate anything for fashion, instead make it passion, it may hobbies or love towards environment.
Later in the session the people who served in academics, environmental and scientific fields are felicitated. Gopal Krishna Bhat, Harish Krishnamoorthy, Vishnu Mukhri, Miss Alli Rani were the honoured achievers. Technical session was held after the formal program. In first technical session, Ananth Hegde Ashisar spoke about Conservation of Western Ghats.
Sri Jain Mutt , Moodbidiri Seer Swasthi Sri Bhattaraka Charukeerthi Pandithacharyavarya Swamiji, environmentalist Suresh Heblikar, Legislator K Abhaychandra Jain, Former President WGTF Ananth Hegde Ashisar, Vagdedvi Foundation CEO Harish Krishnamurthy, Alav’s Education foundation Trustee Vivek Alva, Alva’s college Principal Prof Kurian, Vidyanikethan School Bengaluru CEO Vijai Rajagopalan, co-ordinator Dr B Rajesh were present among others.
