Increasing green cover should be our priority: Eshwar Khandre

Increasing green cover and raising environmental awareness among children are important to address the challenges posed by global warming and climate change, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister and Bidar District In-charge Minister Eshwar B. Khandre said on Wednesday.

Speaking after inaugurating the Dr. Channabasava Pattadadevaru Tree Park in Inchur Bhalki Taluk village of Bidar district, Mr. Khandre said that environmental conservation measures taken today will determine the future of the next generation.

“The tree park, spread over an area of ​​over 13 acres and developed by the Forest Department at a cost of around ₹5 crore, has been created for the benefit of the residents and school children of Bhalki Taluk. More than 250 species of plants have been grown in the park and plans are underway to plant 10,000 more saplings on the Miyawaki model,” he said.

Information boards will be installed with the scientific name, lifespan and medicinal uses of each species, and guides will be provided to help students understand the importance of plants and biodiversity. According to him, the use of plastic and dumping of garbage on the premises will be strictly prohibited.

“The state needs to increase green cover substantially. While the ideal green cover is 33% of the geographical area, in Karnataka it is currently around 21%, while the average green cover in Kalyan, Karnataka is only 5% to 10%. Conservation of the environment is not the responsibility of the government alone. Every person must do their part to protect nature, forests and trees,” he said.

Mr. Khandre said he has directed officials to construct a colorful musical fountain at the tree park adjacent to Brindavan Gardens in Mysuru to attract visitors in the evenings.

“Aranya Bhawans will be built at a cost of Rs 5 crore in Bidar and Rs 2 crore in Bhalki. A biodiversity and ecotourism site is also being developed at Khonnikeri at an estimated cost of Rs 15 crore. The government is also considering setting up orchards in each gram panchayat jurisdiction,” he said.

Mr. Khandre said that during his tenure as Forest Minister, the Cabinet approved the construction of the 153-acre Vishwaguru Basavanna Mega Biological Park near Madappanahalli in Yelahanka, Bengaluru and ₹50 crore was allocated for the project. He said he would discuss the issue with Forest Minister Ramalinga Reddy and make efforts to start the project at the earliest.

Present were seers Bhalki Hiremath Basavalinga Pattadadevaru and Gurubasava Pattadadevaru, Legislative Council member M.K. Mool, Deputy Commissioner Shilpa Sharma, Chief Conservator of Forests Vasant Reddy K.V. and others.