The former MLA A.T. Ramaswamy, who is also an environmentalist and president of advocacy group, Parisarakkagi Naavu, has given a call to the people to unite and build a people’s movement to save the Western Ghats.
“All of us must take a firm resolve to protect the Western Ghats which is one of the world’s eight unique biodiversity hotspots. We should realise that the survival of humanity depends on the protection and preservation of nature. We should take a pledge to protect the Western Ghats and strive towards protecting them,” he said.
He was speaking at the inaugural session of a seminar titled Western Ghats – Madhav Gadgil report and Our Approach organised at the Karnatak Vidyavardhak Sangha in Dharwad on Saturday.
“Nature has given us everything, but we humans, driven by greed, are destroying them all. Issues like global warming, declining air quality, cyclones and untimely rainfall are all results of environmental imbalance. Destroying nature is easy, but rebuilding it will be very difficult,” he said.
Citing a report of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), he said that, “In 1970, Bengaluru had about 70% green cover. Today, it has come down to just 3%. The report also states that 51% of the city’s air contains dust. Only if environment survives, will we survive,” 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 linking democracy with environmental conservation. He was a role model for researchers.”
He said that environmental cost is not included in the price of the products that people use.
“The cost of environmental destruction caused by modern development should be calculated and included in product pricing. The Western Ghats must be brought into mainstream thinking. Rain cycles and water cycles must be maintained properly 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 such as the Forest Act, Wildlife Protection Act and Biodiversity Act must be implemented effectively,” he added.
“We are witnessing floods and droughts in the same year. Irregularities in rainfall and water cycles are the reason. Climate change has emerged as a serious challenge. If we do not wake up now, we will face grave consequences. We must recognise limits on 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 – January 25, 2026 08:30 pm IST
