Plant trees, harvest rainwater to check temperature rise: Ananth

 Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar said Bengaluru’s temperature will soon rise to 45 degrees Celsius if greenery is not restored and lakes are not preserved.

Speaking on the sidelines of the launch of ‘Sujalaam — Water for Bengaluru’ as part of Adamya Chetana’s green lifestyle initiative and responsible living, the minister said: “The city’s temperature gradation reflects how our lifestyles over the centuries have negatively impacted ecological balance. It is high time we woke up, protected and rejuvenated our lakes and other existing water bodies.”

Kumar urged citizens to make the city greener by planting at least one sapling every week and by adopting rainwater harvesting and water conservation methods.

“According to scientific records available, around 500 years ago, Bengaluru’s climate was said to have been suitable for even growing apples,” he said.

‘Sujalaam — Water for Bengaluru’ will see stakeholders like the Karnataka Pollution Control Board, the Indian Institute of Science and residents coming together to rejuvenate lakes, adoption of rainwater harvesting and water saving measures.

Meanwhile, the first chapter of a month-long ‘Lifetide Water Festival’ hosted by Bangalore Film Society (BFS) was flagged off on Saturday.

Environment studies in schools

Minister Ananth Kumar said he will request Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take measures to include ‘environment-green lifestyle education’ in the school and college curricula. He will also write to Union and state ministers and all chief ministers in this regard. “Not just in Karnataka, the subject on environment-green lifestyle should be included at educational institutions across the country. I will try to make this happen in the next six months,’’ he said.