Karnataka - Bangalore   

Run for wildlife conservation

Bangalore: As part of the 54th Wildlife Week 2008 celebrations, the State Forest Department has organised a run to spread awareness about wildlife conservation. The run will be held on Saturday at 7 a.m. It will be flagged off from the Vidhana Soudha (East Gate) by Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa.

H.G. Shivananda Murthy, Conservator of Forests, Bangalore Circle, told presspersons here that from the Vidhana Soudha, the participants would enter Cubbon Park to head towards Vittal Mallya Hospital to reach Richmond Circle. From there, they would head towards K.H. Road to reach Lalbagh. The entire route would be around three km.

The run is supported by Jungle Lodges and Resorts, Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation, Karnataka State Forest Industries Corporation and Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd.

“In today’s context, wildlife conservation has gained importance. It is time for all of us to think globally and act locally towards the same cause. We want to create awareness about the conservation of not just wildlife but also rare plant species,” he said.

The official said that through the event, the department hoped to create awareness about reduction of greenhouse effect, shrinking animal habitat and increase in man-animal conflict. “We need to ensure that development activities take place after importance is given to maintaining ecological balance,” he added.

India has 22 per cent of land under forest cover, while Karnataka has just 20 per cent. “Under the National Afforestation Programme, the State had planned to cover one lakh hectares. We have managed to plant six crore seedlings in 65,000 hectares. This makes conservation of forests and all kinds of wildlife more important,” he said.

Mr. Murthy said that the department is targeting early morning walkers, cadets of the National Cadet Corps and private sector employees. Those who wish to participate must assemble near the Vidhana Soudha East Gate by 6.45 a.m.

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