Afforestation and lake rejuvenation campaign launched in Shivamogga

District Director and Sessions Judge Manjunatha GA on Tuesday urged the youth to develop awareness and sense of responsibility towards protecting the environment.

He was speaking after the inauguration of the Afforestation and Lake Rejuvenation Campaign-2026, an initiative launched by the Karnataka State Legal Services Authority in coordination with various departments, including the Forest Department in Shivamogga, on Tuesday.

The judge said that every citizen should become a soldier to protect the forest wealth. “We assign the Army to protect the country’s borders. As important as border security is, protecting the forest areas of the country is equally important. If soldiers provide protection against external attacks, we must work like soldiers to protect our internal environment,” he said.

Mr. Manjunatha said that the Legal Services Authority has taken an initiative to plant more than 25 lakh saplings and has also taken the responsibility of nurturing and protecting them for the next five years. He called on students and the public to join the effort.

Appreciating the efforts of the authorities, Chief Conservator of Forests KT Hanumantthappa said that both afforestation and lake rejuvenation activities are important in ensuring clean water and pollution-free air. He emphasized that the younger generation should also participate in such activities.

District Legal Services Authority Member-Secretary MS Santhosh said that 25 lakh saplings have been planted in collaboration with the Forest Department as part of the initiative. Such activities have gained importance in the context of increasing cases of human-animal conflict, he added.

Shivamogga district court judges, DCF (Wildlife) Prasanna Krishna Patagar, DCF (Shivamogga) GR Ajjaiah and others were present.