Masks needed now to breath in Udupi: Premananda Kalmadi

Deteriorating AQI of beautiful coastal town of Udupi with rising levels of Pollution above 80 Means , using masks as mitigation may become part of our daily existence. These were the words of Premananda Kalmady, he was speaking at the round table discussion on the theme "Parisara ulisi, Udupi Belesi" and warning us and hear the alarm bells of rising pollution, falling water levels, rising waste and falling fish yields. The unchecked growth of resorts is causing disturbance to the ecosystem, the shifting norms of CRZ-3 to CRZ-2 has had adverse impact on the marine ecosystem. Fresh water from Wells stand exposed to the salt water filtration which may result in drinking water being unfit for drinking. He listed many projects like kodachadri cable cars, which is not in sync with Environmental sustainability and cause long term damage. He urged the audience to develop sensitivity and charter a course for sustainable udupi rooted in action plan from panchayat to Municipality level.

 Earlier the agenda was set by sighting Tagore's insights that the water crisis than in colonial India was not only a water crisis but also a crisis of mind. He sighted that the shifting plane from samaj , that is society to state has made man shirk off his responsibility to external institution such as state, wherein it was the samaj which is responsible for its well being. Thus with that spirit , we are responsible for our Environment and that our neighborhood should be zealous to contest issues of environment and well being was presented as the crux of the meeting by Nihal kidiyoor, Convenor of the campaign.  Prof Abdul azeez presented with the Roadmap and action plan for Sustainable udupi deriving from discussion and deep insights from his academic expertise and vowed to carry forward this conversation into a full fledged movement for better udupi.

Program also featured felicitation for outstanding individuals who have contributed towards  udupi. The individuals recognised were Nityananda volakadu, Santosh kemmanu and Namna shri.

Discussion was part of the National level campaign on Ideal neighbour by JAmaate islami hind. Many dignitaries from all walks of life were part of the vibrant discussion.