DCF N.H. Jagannath watering a plant at World Environment Day event organised at ODP in Bannimantap as others look on.

Cauvery Wildlife DCF N.H. Jagannath said that growing a good number of trees in farmlands will help in maintaining ecological balance and also in preventing soil erosion.

He was speaking after inaugurating  World Environment Day celebration, organised at Organisation for the Development of People (ODP) in Bannimantap here on June 5.

Noting that environmental conservation is posing a big challenge these days, Jagannath said the Forest Department has come up with several programmes on environmental protection.

Stating that climate change is causing havoc across the globe, he said that everyone should join hands in maintaining ecological balance by growing a good number of trees. Stressing that trees help a lot in preventing soil erosion, he said that the firm  roots of trees will check soil erosion.

Most Rev. Dr. Francis Serrao SJ, the Bishop of Mysore and President of ODP, said that human greed is primarily responsible for destruction of nature.

He noted that many of those who make speeches on environmental conservation on stage are themselves the cause of deforestation. In this backdrop, everyone should make a pledge to shun greed and engage in environmental conservation.

University of Mysore Bio-Technology Department faculty Dr. Umesh and ODP Director Rev. Fr. Tenny Kurian too spoke. On the occasion, 28 farmers, who excelled in farming, were conferred with ‘Best Agriculturist’ award.

ODP Assistant Director Rev. Fr. John Fernandes, Rev. Fr. Ashwin Barnis, environmental activist Ramesh, Gram Vikas Self-Help Group (SHG) President M.B. Anees and others were present.