World Water Day observed in city

Mysuru: World Water Day was observed by Mysuru Zilla Panchayat by organising an awareness rally and a stage programme in city this morning.

Students of various colleges, who had assembled in front of Kote Anjaneyaswamy Temple at the North Gate of Mysore Palace, took out an awareness rally by carrying placards with  messages on the importance of conserving water.

The rally, which began in front of Kote Anjaneyaswamy Temple, passed through K.R. Circle, D. Devaraj Urs Road, JLB Road, RTO Circle, Gandhiji’s bust in front of City Law Courts Complex and culminated at Zilla Panchayat premises, where a stage programme was held.

The stage programme was inaugurated by Judge Vijaykumar Ananda Shetty by watering a plant.

Addressing the gathering, the Judge said that all human beings were like the trustees of Earth and the trustees should protect their properties which are air, water, land, forest and other natural resources and gift them for the future generation. He called upon everyone to protect, conserve and preserve them for the future.

Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) Ambadi Madhav, who also spoke, questioned how many people were getting pure water? And said that there was scarcity of water everywhere and   for everyone including plants and animals.

Stating that the temperature was soaring high causing a lot of problems, he said that the forest cover, which should be 33% as per law is only 18% and added that the Forest Department was encouraging the farmers to grow more trees of their choice in their land for which the department would supply the saplings.

Water expert Ravikumar, speaking on the occasion, said that earlier, people were treating water and God which is not being done these days due to the negligent attitude resulting in water getting polluted and being wasted.

He said that civilization began near water sources and temples were found only on river banks because to protect water, which was considered as God.

Stating that there were about 46,000 lakes in the State, which has come down drastically, he said that there is a need to protect lakes for the future.

MUDA Commissioner P.S. Kantharaj, Water expert Ramesh, ZP Chief Planning Officer Prabhuswamy, ZP Deputy Secretary Shivakumara Swamy and others were present.