Melina Kuruvalli, Thirthahalli, June 06, 2019: The Shimoga Multipurpose Social Service Society (SMSSS) in association with the Streebandhu Federation, Melina Kuruvalli and Gram Panchayat, Melina Kuruvalli celebrated the World Environment Day at Melina Kuruvalli Gram Panchayat premises, Thirthahalli on 04 June 2019. Mr P. R. Manjunath, Regional Forest Officer inaugurated the programme in the presence of Rev. Fr Clifford Roshan Pinto, the Director of SMSSS and other dignitaries by symbolically watering the plant. In his introductory talk the Director of SMSSS highlighted the importance of taking care of the plants that are planted. It is not the number of plants that are planted is important but how many plants are growing healthily is what matters. He also said that this year SMSSS is giving prime importance for planting more plants and also for rain water harvesting.
Horticulture Officer, Mr Siddalingeshwara stressed the importance of growing and eating more and more organic products. He also gave the idea of how one can cultivate vegetables in the little spaces each one has in front or at the back of one's house and how one can produce organic manure or vermi compost.
Mr P. R. Manjunath, Regional Forest Officer, spoke about soil pollution, water pollution and air pollution and how all these three are interlinked. Only by growing more and more trees we can protect our environment was the catch phrase of his address.
The celebration of the World Environment Day was also an occasion to highlight the importance of maintaining good health. The Chief Guest of the programme Mrs Jayashree, the Block Health Inspector spoke about KFD, how to prevent it and what is the medication if one is suffering from KFD.
The president of Streebandhu Federation, Melina Kuruvalli who presided over the programme appreciated the support of Gram Panchayat President, Vice-President and members of Melina Kuruvalli Gram Panchayat for allotting some land to plant trees. She also appreciated the initiative of Forest Department for providing more than 300 fruit tree seedlings. More than 200 women from various Self help groups of Streebandhu Federation, Melina Kuruvalli participated in the programme and received plants. The participants have resolved that they will plant at least 2 plants this year and take best care of the planted trees.
The stage programme ended with vote of thanks. After the stage programme 5 plants were planted and watered. After the lunch health camp followed. The entire programme was planned and organized by Mrs Meena D'Mello, the animator of SMSSS with the support of Mr Madhusudhan, the Coordinator.
