Lack of trees causing heat waves and other climatic events in Karnataka

The disappearance of a single pollinator species, such as a butterfly, could have far-reaching consequences for honey production and pollination-dependent crops, including coffee. | Photo credit: MUSTAFAH KK

Environmentalist and president of Bidar Parisara Vani, Shailendra Kavadi, has called for large-scale tree plantation in Karnataka’s Kalaburagi district to moderate rising temperatures and protect biodiversity, warning that climate change is already leaving a visible footprint in the region.

Addressing the environment awareness and Valedictory Van Mahotsava (forest festival) program at Karnataka Public School, Aurad (B), in Kalaburagi district on July 12, Mr. Kavadi said that recurring heat waves and other climate-induced events have underlined the urgency of environmental protection.

He noted that rising global temperatures are threatening biodiversity and disrupting ecosystems. Even the disappearance of a single pollinator species, such as a butterfly, could have far-reaching consequences for honey production and pollination-dependent crops, including coffee, he said.

Referring to this summer, Mr. Kavadi said Aurad (B) village recorded temperatures of around 44°C to 45°C during April and May, while Ainapur in Chincholi taluk recorded 45.5°C, one of the highest temperatures reported in north Karnataka. He urged residents and local institutions to undertake large-scale reforestation in heat-prone villages to help moderate local temperatures and improve environmental resilience.

Exhorting the students to become active participants in conservation efforts, he appealed to each and every one of them to plant and grow a sapling under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign and spread the message of ‘Grow Forests, Save Earth’.

The principal of the school, Gopal Chavan, said that discipline forms the basis of a meaningful life. He emphasized that human activity is largely responsible for environmental degradation. He urged the students to plant at least one tree each and help make Aurad (B) a green village.

Published – 13 Jul 2026 15:55 IST