Former MLA AT Ramaswamy, who is also an environmentalist and president of the advocacy group Parisarakkagi Naavu, urged people to unite and build a people’s movement to save the Western Ghats.
“All of us must take a firm commitment to protect the Western Ghats, which is one of the world’s eight unique biodiversity hotspots. We should realize that the survival of mankind depends on the protection and preservation of nature. We should take a commitment to protect the Western Ghats and strive for its conservation,” he said.
He was speaking at the inaugural session of a seminar titled Western Ghats – Madhav Gadgil’s Report and Our Approach held at the Karnatak Vidyavardhak Sangha in Dharwad on Saturday.
“Nature has given us everything, but we humans, driven by greed, are destroying them all. Problems like global warming, declining air quality, cyclones and premature rainfall are the result of environmental imbalances. It is easy to destroy nature, but it will be very difficult to restore it,” he said.
Quoting an Indian Institute of Science (IISc) report, he said, “In 1970, Bengaluru had about 70% green cover. Today it has come down to just 3%. The report also says that 51% of the city’s air contains dust. We will survive only if the environment survives,” he added.
Environmentalist Keshav Korse said that “Professor Madhav Gadgil was a rare individual who explained environmental science through multidisciplinary thinking and a holistic perspective, while combining democracy with environmental protection. He was a role model for researchers.”
He said that environmental costs are not included in the price of products that people use.
“The cost of environmental destruction caused by modern development should be calculated and included in product prices. The Western Ghats must be mainstreamed. Rain cycles and water cycles must be properly maintained and water security should be given priority,” he said.
“The uniqueness of the Western Ghats should be communicated to the public. Knowledge, research related to the Western Ghats and laws like the Forest Act, Nature Conservation Act and Biodiversity Act must be effectively implemented,” he added.
“We are witnessing floods and droughts in the same year. The reason is due to irregularities in rainfall and water cycles. Climate change has proven to be a serious challenge. If we do not wake up now, we will face serious consequences. We must recognize the limits in the use of natural resources,” he warned.
Rajendra Poddar presided over the programme. Vidyavardhak Sangha general secretary Shankar Halagatti, Parisarakkagi Naavu member Nirmala Hiregoudar and others were present.
Published – 25 Jan 2026 20:30 IST
