Bhatkal: With the objective of making Bhatkal greener and more environmentally friendly, the Indian Nawayath Forum (INF) on Wednesday formally launched a tree plantation drive on the central median of Muhiddin Muniri Road in Nawayath Colony. The programme was inaugurated by Uttara Kannada District In-Charge Minister Mankal Vaidya and Deputy Commissioner Lakshmi Priya by watering the saplings.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Mankal Vaidya lauded INF’s environmental initiative and stressed that tree plantation is essential for obtaining clean air and oxygen. He said keeping the entire city green is a collective responsibility of all citizens. He noted that Bhatkal was naturally green in the past, but human activities driven by self-interest have led to the destruction of greenery, which now needs to be restored urgently.
He warned that failure to protect and nurture trees would result in serious breathing-related issues in the future. “A person can survive without food for some time, but cannot survive even for a few moments without breathing,” he said, adding that initiatives like tree plantation must be encouraged and supported by everyone.
INF President Aftab Hussain Kola, while explaining the objective of the programme, said the primary aim of the plantation drive is to protect the environment and enhance the beauty of Bhatkal town. He said that with rising global warming and reckless exploitation of natural resources, environmental protection has become a shared responsibility. He further stated that Islam strongly emphasizes environmental conservation and promotes cleanliness as half of faith, encouraging people to live in harmony with nature. Inspired by these values, INF, with the support of Bhatkal Municipality, has launched this tree plantation initiative on Muhiddin Muniri Road.
Deputy Commissioner Lakshmi Priya, along with Bhatkal Qazi Maulana Khwaja Moinuddin Akrami Madani, also addressed the gathering and described INF’s efforts as commendable, highlighting the importance and benefits of planting trees.
The programme commenced at 11:30 am on Wednesday with dignitaries watering the saplings, followed by a formal session at the Rabita Office Hall, which began with the recitation of the Holy Quran.
INF member Ghufran Lanka welcomed the guests and conducted the programme. INF Green Bhatkal Convener S.M. Arshad provided detailed information about INF’s initiatives related to tree plantation and maintaining cleanliness in the city. INF General Secretary Adil Nagramat delivered the vote of thanks.
The programme was attended by Bhatkal Tahsildar Nagendra Kolashetti, Municipal Chief Officer Venkatesh Nauda, Majlis Islah-o-Tanzeem Bhatkal President Inayatullah Shabandari and General Secretary Abdul Raqeeb Nadvi, Anjuman Hami-e-Muslimeen Bhatkal President Yunus Qazia, Rabita Society President Umar Farooq Musbah and General Secretary Atiqur Rahman Muniri, Qamar Saada, Shariyar Khateeb, Jailani Mohtisham, Altaf Kharuri, Muhiddin Ruknuddin, other INF office-bearers, and several representatives of Gulf-based associations.