Mysuru:  Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF), Wildlife Division – Mysuru, Sidramappa Chalkapure, has expressed concern over decreasing forest land across the globe due to large-scale human interferences.

He was delivering the keynote address after inaugurating a State-level Seminar on “Human Interferences on Environment —  Concepts and Concern” for under-graduate, post-graduate students and teachers organised by the Post-Graduate Department of Zoology,  JSS College of Arts, Commerce and Science, Ooty Road, Mysuru, recently.

Stating that world population has increased beyond 700 crore and humans have occupied 70% of earth’s available land, he rued that at present only 30% of forest is left in the world.

“There is a large impact on environment due to human interferences. Human greed and desire has led to environmental pollution. Humans are more intellectual than other organisms on earth. A favourable environment is required for the survival of all the organisms but due to the interference of humans the environment is being polluted,” the DCF opined.

Continuing, he said due to air pollution, water pollution, agricultural activities and commercialisation, the environment is becoming unfavourable for the existence of organisms. In addition to this, deforestation, habitat destruction has led to the death of many indigenous species of animals. Henceforth, conservation of environment is the duty of every citizen, the officer said.

Prof. B.V. Sambashivaiah, Chief Executive of the College, presided.

More than 150 UG and PG students from various colleges of Mysuru attended.

Prof. M. Mahadevappa, Principal, welcomed. Dr. B.S. Nijagal, Head of the PG Department of Zoology, proposed a vote of thanks. Veenashree and Group of II year M.Sc., Zoology, rendered the invocation. Dr. K. S. Raghunandan, Assistant Professor of PG Zoology and Convener of the Seminar, compered.