Human life without environment is impossible: MLA G.T. Devegowda

Mysuru

Due to global temperature rise and climate changes, several problems are emerging. Along with development, they must preserve our natural resources and if they fail to understand that human life cannot exist without the environment, they will face difficulties in the future, warned MLA G.T. Devegowda.

He was speaking at a program organized on the occasion of World Environment Day in Koorgalli village on the outskirts of Mysuru. The event was jointly held by Automotive Axles Limited, the Town Municipality, and the Forest Department, where the lake development and tree planting initiative was launched here on Thursday.

He said to ensure clean air and a healthy society, trees and greenery must surround them. Only then they can breathe freely. While they have advanced scientifically, their ancestors planted rows of trees to ensure they have breathable air today. That is why they are still able to see huge trees

Recalling his tenure as the Cooperation Minister, he said, along with the then Assembly Speaker K.R. Pet Krishna and Legislative Council Chairman Prof. B.K. Chandrashekhar, they invited Saalu Marada Thimmakka to Mysuru and planted one lakh saplings in a single day across schools, hospitals, roads, and parks. Similarly, during his time as Zilla Panchayat President, trees were planted from Mysuru to Kushalnagar, K.R. Nagar, and Hunsur to Hanagodu. These have now grown into big trees that bring joy to people driving under the shade.

Devegowda said the neem trees grown along the Ring Road in Mysuru now provide shade and moisture. Families are living peacefully. Socially responsible works bring great satisfaction.

Highlighting the deteriorating condition of rivers, the MLA said although they claim to drink pure water, the reality is they are consuming polluted water. Even though Bengaluru consumes KRS water, pollutants from Lakshmanatirtha River are mixing into it. “I have brought this issue to the Assembly's attention. We must ensure toxic substances do not enter rivers.”

He urged everyone to become environmentally aware and protect nature. Like the Mysuru City Corporation, town municipalities and urban local bodies must segregate wet and dry waste and maintain cleanliness. They must do meaningful work for society after the birth. Let each house plant a tree and encourage others to do the same.

Praising Automotive Axles Limited for undertaking lake development on World Environment Day, he said, the company operates without any black marks or controversies, and its involvement in labor welfare and social service is commendable.

He explained how Chamundeshwari constituency is vast, extending around 40 km around Mysuru city. “I used to wait until 2 a.m. with IAS officers to get approvals for forming municipalities and panchayats. Today, developmental work is running smoothly,” he stated.

Criticising delays by the previous governments, he said though land records, revenue approvals, and layout permissions were in place, no roads were built in new layouts for six years due to lack of a single government order. When Basavaraj Bommai was the Chief Minister, he got Rs 300 crore sanctioned, and simultaneous development works began, enabling road construction.