World Environment Day was marked with diverse activities across the Belagavi district on Thursday, with participation from government departments, private organisations, schools, and colleges. The theme for this year was ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’.
As part of the observance, the forest department initiated a sapling plantation drive under the urban greening project. Renowned theatre personality and Padma Shri awardee B Jayashree and her team joined the celebrations in Belagavi.
Belagavi North MLA Asif Sait, accompanied by officials, planted saplings at various locations in the city, including Rani Bagh, Queen’s Garden, Asad Khan Dargah, and along the highway. He announced that around 25,000 saplings would be planted in the North constituency to promote environmental conservation. The initiative saw the involvement of several environmental groups and volunteers.
Range Forest Officer Purushottam Ravji stated that nearly 20,000 saplings were distributed, and measures were being taken to ensure their survival and growth. He also emphasized the importance of nurturing the saplings until they become fully grown trees. Cantonment Board CEO Rajeev and forest officials Vinay Goudar and Siddharth Chalwadi were also present.
‘A Tree for Mother’ Initiative at PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya No.2
The Belagavi Cantonment’s PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya No.2 hosted an event titled ‘A Tree for Mother’, celebrating motherhood through a unique gesture—planting trees in the name of mothers. Over 50 saplings were planted during the event, with active participation from students, teachers, and parents. Principal Mahendra Kalra appreciated the initiative, remarking that actions rooted in emotion and nature can lead to powerful movements.
Artists and Legal Community Join In
Theatre veteran B Jayashree also participated in the plantation activity by watering saplings during her visit to Belagavi for the ‘Ranga Sambrham’ event. Members of the Border Development Authority, including Ashok Chandaragi, Sarvamangala Aralimatti, and Neelam Gutthigol, joined her.
In Hukkeri, the Taluka Legal Service Committee, Lawyers Association, forest department, and taluk administration observed Environment Day at the Avajikar Mutt in Kyaragudda. Justice Rajanna Sankannavar, who inaugurated the program by planting saplings, highlighted the urgent need to enforce laws against the use of plastic. Justice Aditya Kalal, Manjunath Maharaj of Avajikar Mutt, and Bar Association president Kadappa Kurbet were also in attendance.
