Workshop discusses environmental issues of the Western Ghats in the Belagavi region

Three-day environment workshop in Belagavi district focused on conservation, laws, sustainable practices, and climate advocacy for environmental concerns.

A three-day environment workshop was held last week for environment conservation enthusiasts in Kankumbi near Khanapur of Belagavi district.

Organiser Nyla Coelho said the idea was to draw the attention of the State’s polity, citizens and environmentalists to environmental concerns of this region of the Western Ghats and of North Karnataka.

Scientist and writer Sagar Dhara spoke on the converging crisis of the 21st century and the consequences that can unfold in energy, economy and environment. This will be accompanied by depletion of cheap fossil fuels, he said.

K.P. Suresh and Soil Vasu spoke about soil protection and the government policies that can affect sustainable farming practices.

Anjaneya Reddy of Chikballapura and Nirmala Gowda of Paani Earth Foundation spoke on the need to save water resources. They gave examples of some such successful attempts, including interventions that have saved some rivers from industrial pollution in Bengaluru.

Conservationist Norma Alvares spoke on various environmental laws. She said that the Right to Information Act has been helpful in addressing environmental concerns. She stressed the need for active participation of local citizens and panchayat level bodies in the conservation efforts.

Advocate Vinay Srinivas stressed on the need to understand local environment problems, in the light of Acts and Rules in Karnataka.