Green March in Ballari promotes year-round commitment to environmental conservation

Calling for environmental conservation to become a way of life rather than an annual ritual, Ballari Superintendent of Police Suman D. Pennekar urged citizens to plant and nurture trees to help combat rising temperatures, and safeguard the environment for future generations.

The ‘Green March’ was organised on July 4 by the Ballari Regional Forest Division as part of Vanamahotsava 2026. It was flagged off from the Regional Forest Division office premises. Participants walked through Cowl Bazaar before the march culminated at the TB Sanatorium campus, where saplings were planted. Participants took a pledge to protect the environment. Saplings were distributed to those who took part in the rally.

Ms. Pennekar said the city is witnessing a steady rise in temperatures, and that increasing green cover was the most effective long-term solution.

“Environmental protection and tree-planting should not remain symbolic activities confined to one day in a year. The more trees we plant and nurture, the healthier the environment we can leave for the next generation,” she said.

Highlighting the role of children in environmental conservation, Ms. Pennekar recalled that schoolchildren in earlier years actively planted saplings and monitored their growth as part of their learning. Such practices, she said, should be revived to instil a sense of responsibility towards nature among the younger generation.

She appreciated the Forest Department for conducting plantation drives every year, and stressed that citizens should not only plant saplings but also ensure that they survive and grow into mature trees.

Chief Executive Officer of the Ballari Zilla Panchayat Mohammed Haris Sumair, who was the chief guest, said sustainable development was impossible without environmental protection. He appealed to the youth to actively support afforestation, social forestry and plantation initiatives.

Deputy Conservator of Forests (Ballari division) K.N. Basavaraj said Vanamahotsava Week, observed across the country from July 1 to 7, aims to create greater public awareness about environmental conservation and increasing green cover. He said the first week of July was considered the ideal period for plantation activities as it coincides with the onset of the monsoon across most parts of the country.