Kushalnagar:  More than 750 volunteers representing various organisations took part in the drive to plant saplings along Mysuru-Kodagu Higway as part of ‘Roots of Kodagu’ campaign yesterday.

With the message ‘Let Us Unite for Cauvery,’ members of the organisations planted saplings at different points between Anechowkur and Thithimathi forest areas of Kodagu district.

The volunteers were divided into two groups and sent to different locations. More than 5,000 saplings were planted in Thithimathi (Devamachi) forest region, while 3,000 saplings and 50,000 seed balls were planted in Anechowkur Forest area. 

The volunteers also cleaned Anechowkur Forest Gate-Thithimathi stretch of Mysuru-Gonikoppa Highway.

Art of Living Teachers Committee Head A. Don Rajappa said that it was a matter of delight that volunteers from so many organisations had taken part in the campaign, which has the message ‘Let Us Unite for Cauvery.’ 

Stressing on the need for the involvement of everyone in conserving Kodagu’s environment and ecology, he said that it was very crucial for saving the forest cover of Kodagu, where River Cauvery takes birth and is the lifeline of crores of people along its basin.

‘Roots of Kodagu’ activist U. Roshan said that the number of volunteers who take part in the campaign was more than expected and he felt very happy about it.

Pointing out that the drive will continue on Sunday too, he said that the campaign has set a target of planting 60,000 saplings.

Actor Bhuvan Ponnanna, who is also a member of participant organisation, spoke to Star of Mysore and expressed concern over rapidly declining forest cover in Kodagu.

Recalling his childhood days when there was a huge number of trees and dense forest, he underlined the need for saving our rich forest to next generations.

Medical practitioner Dr. Suresh said that health can be maintained only by keeping our rivers and rivulets clean.

Muthamma, a member of COPS organisation, said that the drive was very well-organised and she felt happy for being part of the campaign.

Kodagu Jawa Yezdi Motorcycle Club, Forest Department, Karnataka Shakti Pade, Cauvery Nadi Swachhata Andolana, Art of Living Centre-Kodagu, Lions Club of Gonikoppa, Rotary Club of Kushalnagar, Tata Coffee Ltd., Tamara Resorts, staff from COPS School – Gonikoppa, NCC Cadets from Cauvery College – Gonikoppa, CIT – Ponnampet and a host of other organisations took part in the campaign.