Mysuru: Expressing concern over the rapid depletion of Mysuru’s green cover and the deteriorating condition of its lakes, environmentalists and civic activists called for greater public participation in conserving the city’s natural resources.

Speaking at a Kannada panel discussion on ‘Citizens’ Responsibility in the Conservation of Lakes’ on the second day of the Mysuru Literature Festival this morning, the speakers stressed that safeguarding public assets is the responsibility of every citizen and cannot be left solely to Government agencies. The session was moderated by Dr. H.S. Champa, Dean and Director of Mysore School of Architecture.

Noted environmentalist Major General (Retd.) S.G. Vombatkere said that roads, parks, lakes and other public infrastructure ultimately belong to the people and must be protected by them.

Referring to Article 51A(g) of the Constitution, he reminded the audience that protecting and improving the natural environment is a Fundamental Duty of every citizen.

He expressed concern over recent infrastructure projects in Mysuru, saying the large-scale felling of trees for such works has caused long-term ecological damage. He urged both the Government and citizens to adopt a more environmentally responsible approach to urban development.

Wetland expert Prof. U.N. Ravikumar said, the destruction of lakes often follows a familiar pattern. Construction debris is first dumped along the lake bed, followed by the discharge of sewage into the water body. Eventually, under the guise of “lake development,” ecologically rich wetlands are altered beyond recognition, resulting in the loss of biodiversity.

Successful public movements

Ravikumar also recounted successful public movements that helped protect Mysuru’s water bodies. He recalled the 1994 citizens’ campaign that prevented the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) from undertaking development around the historic Dewan Purnaiah Canal and the 1995 public movement that persuaded the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to realign the proposed Outer Ring Road to safeguard Lingambudhi Lake.

Parashuramegowda of Parisarakkagi Naavu warned that climate change is already manifesting itself through erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts and frequent floods.

He said, recent laboratory tests had found water from many rivers and lakes in the region unfit for drinking, with some water bodies considered unsafe even for bathing.

The panel concluded with a call for a collective change in lifestyle and renewed civic responsibility. The speakers said, Mysuru’s lakes, trees and other natural resources can be preserved only if citizens actively participate in their protection and resist environmentally destructive practices.