Mysuru: Former Minister S.A. Ramdas has said that Environment Day should be meaningfully celebrated by adopting one sapling each and also nurturing the plants.

He was addressing the gathering at the inauguration of a Mega Plantation Drive held recently as part of World Environment Day by Central Sericultural Research and Training Institute (CSRTI), Mysuru.

The tree planting should not be confined to Environment Day celebration, but should be a daily practice, the gift one can give to the nature, he observed.

A scientist named Jagadish Chandra Bose had observed that even plants have life and breath, communicate in their own language and develop friendship, which many didn’t believe in those days. Now, everyone is studying in detail about plants. If the air and water is maintained in a hygienic way, good health can be maintained, said Ramdas.

CSRTI Director Dr. P. Deepa said  expanding green cover is no longer an option, but an absolute necessity to mitigate severe global impact of environmental pollutants. She called for collective and sustained action to restore ecosystem balance.

K. Paramesh, Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF), Mysuru Division, provided a deep scientific                                                                perspective on the indispensable role of trees. He explained how dense vegetation builds environmental resistance against climate extremes and serves as the backbone for vital ecological cycles, including water and carbon cycles.

Ayurveda Official Dr. Sudha, highlighting the holistic connection between nature and health, shed light on how increasing green cover directly rejuvenates soil health and acts as a natural buffer against global warming, ultimately securing human well-being.

Research Analyst Dr. Punith, lauding the strategic execution of the Mega Plantation Drive,  reinforced the message of post-plantation care, stressing that data-driven conservation and dedicated maintenance are key to maximising the survival rate of the saplings.

Earlier saplings such as Mahogany, Arali (Nerium), Nerale (Jamun), Kahi Bevu (Neem), Aththi (Ficus), Honne (Indian Kino), Beete (Rosewood), Maavu (Mango), Honge (Beech Tree), Shivane (White Teak), Tapasi (Jungle Cork), Hole Matthi (Arjuna), Kadu Badami (Indian Almond), Aala (Banyan), Dasavala (Hibiscus) and others, were planted at the premises of CSRTI.