Forest is not just about cane and woods. Man has created emotional bonds and shares the mindspace with it. Forests have not just given water and air, but they have also given the most necessary ‘inspiration’ for us to get on with our lives.
“The dense greenery inspired great thoughts and hence superlative literature by Kuvempu and Da Ra Bendre. Such a bounty of the nature cannot be safeguarded or protected using legal framework alone. Disappearing forests will also drain out the sense of imagination and richness of mind among the next generation. Possibilities of another Kuvempu or Bendre emerging from the generations ahead would be rather tough,” he added.
While dance was inspired by a bird like peacock, paintings and drawings have been heavily inspired by nature, animals and birds. Even today’s fashion draws from the nature and its nuances. “Respect for environment is not marked by hugging trees alone. Even over-possessiveness of nature is harmful, as is the scant respect for it,” he added.
Gram Sadak Project has caused enough damage to the Western Ghats. Lots of trees have been cut down to lay 30-metre roads. The saplings that have been planted along the roads, may not even see the future since there is no care or concern about them.
ZP CEO Satyavati said measures to protect the ecosystem should be planned at the earliest. “We are even holding a lok adalat in the district. E-waste is increasing with the advances made in technology too. Many offices are filled with gadgets which are rendered mostly useless,” she added.
“Even the people who belong to the upper middle class, who use car for commuting, have scant respect for environment. They simply roll down the windows and throw trash on the roads”, she added.