Mysore/Mysuru: Attributing the dwindling of forests to growth in human population, titular head of erstwhile Mysuru Royal Family Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar said that Conservation of Wildlife and Forests is important for maintaining the balance of nature.

He was speaking after inaugurating People for Forest and Wildlife Conservation of Karnataka (PFWCK) organisation at Rani Bahadur auditorium on Hunsur Road here this morning. Noting that forest wealth and wildlife sustained naturally as there was less human population centuries ago, Yaduveer contended that plant species such as Neelagiri, Lantana and Parthenium were detrimental to the growth of forests.

Observing that though seed-ball initiative would help in the expansion of green cover, he said that, however, the organsiers must take utmost care to ensure that Neelagiri, Lantana and Parthenium saplings do not creep into the making of seed-balls. Also, the sowing of seed-balls must be done taking weather and season into account, he added.

Opining that water-holes in forests need not be created everywhere in the forests, Yaduveer said that the focus must be on creating a natural flow path for rain water in forests, which will ensure water conservation.

Stressing on the need for educating the population on the need for saving our forests from destruction, he said that the Organisation’s plans for saving forest are good and expressed hope that the opinion he has expressed too will be taken into account while launching initiatives.

Rajyotsava awardee and former IAS Officer K. Amaranarayan, in his address, called upon the people to also mark their birthday by planting useful tree saplings. Emphasising on the importance of  planting of saplings especially at a time when our forests are fast dwindling, he underlined the need for educating youth on nature and forest wealth conservation, as it is vital for future generations too.

Yaduveer also launched the PFWCK’s YouTube channel and Facebook page on the occasion.

Renowned Wildlife Photographer duo Krupakar and Senani, M.M. Hills Wildlife Division DCF V. Yedukondalu, Dr. P. Madesh, faculty of the Department of Earth Sciences, University of Mysore, PFWCK President John Peter, Secretary Prakash and others were present.