Mysuru, Oct. 27 – Stressing that protecting the environment and conserving nature is crucial for the planet’s future, Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment Eshwar B. Khandre said that both the nation and the earth can survive only if ecology is safeguarded.

He was speaking after inaugurating the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Mysuru Regional Office of the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), which covers Mysuru and Kodagu districts, at Maharaja’s College Grounds in the city this morning.

Beginning his address with the Kannada phrase ‘Kadu Belesi – Nadu Ulisi… Hasire Usiru,’ Khandre recalled the contribution of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi towards environmental protection.

“The Pollution Control Board was established in 1974 by Indira Gandhi. Her legacy in protecting the environment from the threats of industrial pollution and ecological damage is highly relevant today, when rapid modernisation is accelerating environmental destruction,” he said.

He noted that the disasters and calamities witnessed across the world due to climate change are a direct consequence of nature’s degradation. “Global warming is another serious outcome of ecological imbalance. Man cannot survive without nature, and it is imperative that we collectively think and act to safeguard humanity from natural disasters,” he added. Emphasising that there is only one earth for all living beings, the Minister said, it is our duty to preserve it for future generations by using natural resources judiciously. “Everyone must take responsibility by planting at least one tree in their surroundings,” he urged.

Expressing concern over the growing instances of man-animal conflict, Khandre said, the main reason was dwindling forest cover. Referring to the incident in Saragur taluk on Saturday, where a man was killed in a tiger attack, he said, the Department is studying ways to reduce such conflicts, particularly in forest-fringe areas.

KSPCB Chairman P.M. Narendraswamy, in his address, said that neglecting ecology is akin to forgetting our future. He lauded the KSPCB’s five-decade-long contribution to safeguarding the environment.

He noted that the Indira Priyadarshini Award is presented annually to individuals engaged in environmental conservation and announced that the Board is implementing new measures to prevent pollution of water resources. He sought the cooperation of the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) to stop the flow of industrial and other wastes into water bodies.

“It is concerning that plastic waste generation is rising in the old Mysuru region. Everyone must strive to make Mysuru truly plastic-free. The KSPCB will collaborate with the MCC to reclaim the top position in the cleanest cities ranking,” he said, urging citizens to contribute to conserving nature — the key to humanity’s survival amid the growing challenges of climate change and global warming.

District Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa, MLA and Jungle Lodges & Resorts Chairman Anil Chikkamadu, MLAs G.T. Devegowda and K. Harishgowda, Cauvery (CADA) Chairman Mariswamy, Mysore Paints and Varnish Limited (formerly Mysore Lac and Paints Limited) Chairman H.D. Ganesh, KSPCB Member Mariswamygowda, Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikanth Reddy, MCC Commissioner Shaikh Tanveer Asif, ZP CEO S. Ukesh Kumar, Addl. DC P. Shivaraj and several other leaders were present.

‘Indira Priyadarshini’ Environment Awards presented

The prestigious ‘Indira Priyadarshini’ Environment Award was presented to 6 institutions/ individuals on the occasion.

The awardees are: Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering, Mysuru (Dr. G.M. Sadashiva Murthy, Professor and Head of the Department of Environmental Engineering); Madilu Educational and Rural Development Organisation, Mysuru (Srinivas – Executive Director); Keerthi D’Souza, Environmentalist and Social Activist, Executive Director, Seeds of Sustainability; Bharat Scouts & Guides, Madikeri, Kodagu district; Karnataka Rajya Vijnana Parishat, Kodagu District Committee; and Humane World for Animals, Hudikeri, Ponnampet taluk, Kodagu district.

Green message lost amid plastic flex banners at KSPCB event

The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) Golden Jubilee celebrations — an official Government event — ironically resembled a political rally, with Congress flags, banners, buntings, cut-outs and portraits of ruling party leaders made of plastic and flex materials dotting the Maharaja’s College Grounds and stretches along JLB Road. The massive display of plastic posters and flex cut-outs stood in stark contrast to the very purpose of the KSPCB — an agency meant to curb all forms of pollution, including plastic waste.