Mangaluru witnessed widespread celebrations for World Environment Day on Friday, marked by tree plantation drives, awareness campaigns, and various activities. Government agencies, educational institutions, public sector undertakings, and corporate bodies joined forces to promote sustainable living and environmental conservation.
Airport and Judicial Participation
Mangaluru International Airport distributed saplings of the famed Mangaluru Mallige (jasmine) to arriving passengers as part of its outreach programme. Among the recipients was Justice Alok Mathur, judge of the Allahabad High Court, who arrived on a flight from Mumbai.
Corporate and Government Initiatives
As part of the nationwide ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, MRPL, in association with the Karnataka Forest Department, organized a tree plantation drive at its premises. The event was attended by Assistant Conservator of Forests Shashikanth S Vibhothi and MRPL Managing Director Mundkur Shyamprasad Kamath.
At NITK Surathkal, students, faculty members, and staff participated in a plantation drive to support the Prime Minister’s green initiative. Deputy Director Prof. Subash C Yaragal joined the programme along with institute officials and students.
Port Authority and Bank Drives
The observance at New Mangalore Port Authority was held under the theme 'Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Future.' A plantation drive was organized within the port premises, led by Deputy Chairperson S Shanthi. Officials highlighted that NMPA has already developed and maintains nearly 649 acres of green belt in and around the port area as part of its long-term environmental commitment.
Karnataka Bank marked the occasion with a plantation drive at its head office in Mangaluru. Managing Director and CEO Raghavendra S Bhat urged citizens to adopt environmentally responsible practices, including carpooling and a gradual shift towards electric vehicles to reduce carbon emissions.
Science Centre and Hospital Initiatives
The Regional Science Centre of the Pilikula Development Authority also organized programmes focusing on biodiversity conservation and environmental awareness. Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, undertook a unique initiative by distributing over 5,000 fruit-bearing and medicinal plant saplings to patients and their attendants visiting the hospital on Friday.
District-Level Programme
Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner Darshan HV emphasized that protecting the environment is a shared responsibility and called upon citizens to preserve a clean and healthy ecosystem for future generations. Speaking at the district-level World Environment Day programme organized by the district administration, ZP, Forest Department, and Karnataka State Pollution Control Board at KPT, he stressed the importance of safeguarding natural resources and maintaining ecological balance.
District Legal Services Authority member secretary Zaibunnisa warned that environmental degradation would have serious consequences for human health and urged people to actively participate in conservation efforts. Earlier, a rally promoting environmental awareness was held from Yeyyadi to KPT, flagged off by Principal District and Sessions Judge Basavaraj.
