'Strive to protect Bhadra river from pollution'

Devarakadu, hills should be declared sensitive regions, says Ashisara

He was speaking after inaugurating the river source protection campaign organised by the WGTF in association with the Forest Department and Sumukha Seva Prathishtana. “People should strive to protect Bhadra river from pollution. There are 22 rivers, which originates from the Western Ghats. It is necessary that a study should be conducted on river beds and water sources,” Ashisara said.

It is the need of the hour to give more emphasis to protect the existing forests than to forestation, he said adding that Devarakadu (sacred groves) and hills should be declared as sensitive regions.

Expressing concern over pollution of rivers, destruction of tourism spots and unscientific solid waste disposal, Ashisara said that awareness should be created among families, who reside near rivers.

Task Force Member Prof B M Kumaraswamy delivering a talk said that keeping rivers clean is a sign of development. Meanwhile, drying of rivers is a sign of disaster. People should use water rationally by storing it properly, he said and warned that the next generation will have to face the problem of acute shortage of water if water was not used rationally.

“Plants which has the capacity of storing water should be planted in watershed regions. A separate Board should be set up for the development of watershed regions,” he said and called upon the people and the government to take initiatives to protect rivers.

Zilla panchayat Chief Executive Officer M R Ramanna said that the quantity of rainfall has been reduced comparatively in the district. Hence, he said, more emphasis should be given for the protection of forests and environment.

Mavinakere gram panchayat President N P Bharath Kumar, Additional Deputy Commissioner Subbaraya Kamath, Circle Forest Conservator Avtar Singh, taluk panchayat members H V Rajendra Prasad, N A Sheshagiri, Koppa Sub Division Forest Conservator Manjunatha Chauhan, Task Force Member Gajendra Gorasukudige were present.

Poojas were offered to Bhadra river prior to the programme.

Departments including Horticulture, Agriculture and Watershed organised an exhibition as part of the campaign.