By Team Mangalorean

MOODBIDRI, August 24, 2007: It was a double celebration for the Moodbidri town on Thursday.

Firstly,  the town witnessed one of the largest congregation of youth from all over the town and to converge for a cause - making Moodbidri green once again. Secondly the Jain Kashi of the world has begun the first feature in its run towards the emerging global tourism scenario- boating in Kadalakere Nisarga Dhama, which was launched today. On this occasion the town also organised 'Run for Green Moodbidri' event which received an overwhelming response from the youth and the people of the town.

Inaugurating the boating facility Vice Chancellor of Mangalore University K.M. Kaveriappa warned that in the enthusiasm to promote tourism the natural beauty of the environment should not be ruined. There are different aspects of tourism that has close connection with nature, they will have to be carefully unravelled and enjoyed with a sense of responsibility. He said as a botanist himself he knew what damage could artificial things like plastics and bottles can do to the nature. People indulge in enjoying the nature without the awareness that their actions can severely damage their own environment.

He said the Western Ghats which was one of the 18 hotspots for biodiversity conservation should be given more attention not just by the environmentalist groups but also by the people. The Anthropogenic activities should be undertaken in a responsible manner particularly when it comes to using the natural resource for human welfare or for recreation. Without nature and its bio-diversity the mankind also stands slim chances of survival.

Dr. Kaveriappa said the forests and environment had their own culture and methods of surviving and sustaining the delicate foliage and fauna. Mankind must understand the intricate and intrinsic values of such a culture and try to promote it or protect it.  He said in the matters of promoting greenery - conservation was better and easier than regeneration.

The brain behind the Nisarga Dhama L.C. Soans - the Octogenarian philanthropist earlier told that efforts were being made to make the lake a perennial water body with various steps for conserving the water throughout the year. Presently the Kadalakere retains water only till January.  The 'nature walk' named after the German nature lover late Gilda Peters  has been made ready for the nature lovers to use. The Fisheries department has also initiated a fish rearing programme in the Kadalakere. The dredged material from the lake has been used to create a natural island in the middle of the lake where naturally generated forest has grown giving shelter for small animals, birds and insects. He says in the times to come it could become a bird sanctuary also.

Deputy Commissioner of Dakshina Kannada M. Maheshwara Rao who is also the president of  the Kadalakere Nisarga Dhama on this occasion called for concerted efforts of the people in developing Kadalakere into a multi activity environmental centre.

Assistant Conservator of Forests Manjunath Shetty on this occasion outlined the concept of the Nisarga Dhama and said that in the nearby 10 acre plot the Nisarga Dhama Society had plans to develop a 'heritage village' named after the Tuluva Queen Abbakka Rani of 16th century.

MLA of Moodbidri gave the oath to over 2000 students and youth who had participated in the `Run for green Moodbidri' and stated on this occasion that he was making efforts to enthuse the government of Karnataka to release some funds towards the development of Kadalakere Nisarga Dhama.

The four kilometer run from Swaraj Maidaan to the Kadalakere Nisarga Dhama was a sight to see. Youth wearing green caps and white T Shirts and some in their school uniforms in large numbers was the first event of its kind in Moodbidri.