Inaugurating a programme to observe World Environmental Day here on Wednesday, he said the global temperature would go up by two to three degree Celsius in about 15 years spelling catastrophe. Swollen rivers would submerge human habitats in coastal region, he noted.
Calling for a collective effort in checking global warming, Sadashivaiah emphasised garbage recycling and containing the use of polythene. He suggested using paper and cloth bags instead of polythene bags and a complete ban on using plastic materials.
“All possible attempts should be made to recharge the depleting groundwater table. Rain water harvesting should be made mandatory. Awareness should be spread on conservative use of water. Stress should be laid on afforestation to ensure more oxygen and rains,” Sadashivaiah suggested.
Constructive measures
Deputy Commissioner Anwar Pasha said nothing tangible could be achieved by observing World Environment Day once a year. Constructive measures should be taken for environmental conservation. More greenery on earth would help in reducing global warming and increase ground water table.
Deputy Conservator of Forests V Jayaramegowda emphasised on the need to create awareness about environment in students. He suggested teachers take students to forests, encourage them to sow seeds and monitor the progress. Such effort spanned over a period of ten years would create much-needed greenery, he opined.
Regional Transport Officer Afzal Ahmed Khan said vehicle drivers should acquire knowledge on the pollution caused by their vehicles. He suggested growing more trees to counter the pollution caused by automobile fumes.
A jatha was taken in the City with students displaying banners and raising slogans on the imperative of environmental conservation. The programme was jointly organised by District Administration, Karnataka State Pollution Control Board regional office and Rishi Samskruti Foundation.
Failure alleged
The Motorcyclists’ Welfare Association has charged the Regional Transport Department with laxity in disseminating awareness on the perils of auto fumes.The number of vehicles on roads has been spiralling with every passing day. Using cars even to cover short distances has become a fad. However, this new-found fashion has been putting pressure on the environment, adding to global warming.
Vehicles play vital role in containing global warming and hence there is a need to create awareness in drivers on environment concerns. Unfortunately, the Regional Transport Office has been found wanting in such attempts, the president of the Association, Narayana Reddy has said in a press release.
He has suggested the Department to create environment consciousness in public coming to its office for registration of new vehicles and ensure that every driving person plants at least 10 saplings a year. He has also appealed district in-charge minister Dr Mumtaz Ali Khan and Union Law and Justice Minister M Veerappa Moily to draw the attention of the government tothe issue.