Forest Department to observe 'Kandla Divas' on Feb 6

Udupi, Feb 3 (UNI) In a bid to raise awareness among farmers, fishermen and the general public about the importance of Mangrove, the forest department would observe February 6 as 'Kandla Divas' (Mangrove Day), said Rajkumar Srivastav, the Deputy Conservator of Forest (DCF), Kundapura Division here.

Talking to newspersons here yesterday, he said of the 8.7 sq km Kandla forest in Karnataka, two sq km was existing at Kundapura in Udupi, besides several coastal parts in Daxina Kannada and Uttar Kannda districts.

He said the forest department was attempting for the last two decades to develop Kandlavan in the available waste-land along the coast of Karnataka. 'Mangalvan', a Kandla forest, was attracting nature lovers and the researchers, he added.

Mr Rajkumar said despite efforts by the State Government, misuse of nature by the local people, posed a constraint for the preservation of Kandlavan. Public awareness, was the need of the hour, he added.

UNI MA KV RL ND1310