JOIN USAshisara appeals Centre to utilise NREGS to protect medicinal herbs
Addressing a two-day State-level workshop on “Strategies of conservation, enhancement and sustainable utilisation of medicinal plants of the Western Ghats” at SDM College in Ujire on Saturday, he expressed his confidence over the government approving the proposal.
“The documentation of biodiversity should be done at Gram Panchayat level. Moolika Vanas should be established in all taluks,” he observed, and urged the Forest department to take strict actions to stop illegal transportation of medicinal herbs. There are 2,000 unique medicinal herbs on the Western Ghats. The Task Force will formulate a comprehensive policy to conserve the greenery of the ghats and the natural knowledge heritage through the Oushadhi Moolika Mandali, Ashisara said.
Students should develop love towards trees. The traditional medicine practitioners should impart their rich knowledge to the younger generation, he said. The Task Force has plans to implement the results of the researches carried out at the university level, he added.
Delineating on the plans of the Task Force, Ashisara said village forest committees will be engaged in forest conservation. There are also plans to create awareness among the people through Vriksha Laksha Andolan, Devara Kadu, jathas and padayatras, he stressed.
In his keynote address, Karnataka State Medicinal Plants Authority Chairman Dr Venugopal said the medicinal herbs should be preserved for the protection of health and for financial growth. About 205 herbs are used even in Allopathy. Diseases like cancer, malaria etc can be cured through herbs. Awareness should be created in the global scenario regarding the significance, purity and demand for the medicinal herbs, he suggested.
SDME Society Secretary Dr B Yashovarma presided. Dr Keshav Hegde Korse delivered an introductory address. Mangalore division Conservator of Forests Shanthappa was present. The workshop will conclude on Sunday.