Haveri
Devindrappa N. Biradar said environmental protection is a fundamental duty of all citizens and warned that humanity is ignoring the responsibility of saving the earth. He was speaking at the International Earth Day 2026 programme held at the Regional Forest Department office premises in Haveri, where saplings were planted and watered to mark the occasion.
He said people who fight for rights have forgotten their duty to protect nature and stressed the need for urgent action against global warming, deforestation and pollution. He said Earth Day celebrations must go beyond events and become part of continuous social responsibility.
District Bar Association President H C Siddana Gowdra said human greed is the main cause of environmental damage and urged every person to plant and care for at least a few trees in their lifetime to repay the debt to Mother Earth.
Deputy Conservator of Forests Prakashkar Akshaya Ashoka said humans have only one earth and it must be protected for future generations. He appealed to students of schools and colleges to support green initiatives by collecting seeds from fruits they consume and handing them over to the Forest Department for plantation activities.
Assistant Conservator of Forests K H Manjunath welcomed the gathering, while Siddamma Karigara proposed the vote of thanks. Basavaraj Kulkarni narrated the programme proceedings.
Senior Civil Judge and Member Secretary of the Legal Services Authority Srishailaja H V, forest officials, college lecturers and students participated in the event. Officials said collective effort is needed to increase greenery and protect natural resources for a safer and healthier future for coming generations through sustained environmental action and awareness campaigns across the district continuously without delay.