Mangaluru: Minister of forests, B Ramanatha Rai inaugurated Vanamahotsava in Expert Pre University College, Valachil on Friday, July 1 after planting a sapling.

“Air and water are essential for human survival and plants and trees are necessary for their protection” said chief conservator of forests Dr Sanjay Bijoor. He was speaking after participating as the Chief Guest in the programme held under the aegis of Green X club in the college.

“Plantations provide a large amount of Oxygen. Trees block rain water and make the ground absorb it. Therefore the government has held the programme of protection of forests and children’s excursion. Expert college, by celebrating Vanamahotsava, has shown its concern for environment,” he said.

President of Expert group of institute Professor Narendra L Nayak presided. Secretary and convener Usha Prabha N Nayak, Pilikula Biological park director Dr Prabhakara Sharma, Trustee Ustad Rafik Khan, local elite Sadananda Alva, Mangaluru zonal forest officer P Sridhar, Principal Dr N K Vijayan, Vice principal Gurudath N, Expert’s old student Ankush Nayak, programme director Suresh Edanadu, Cultural programme organizer Shilpa V were present.

Student association president Sharana Karyappa welcomed. Biology department head Professor Rathnakumar proposed Vote of thanks. Chemistry department lecturer Dhrithi Hegde compered the programme.

More than two hundred saplings were planted in the campus with the cooperation of students. A drawing competition on Vanamahotsava was held on the occasion. Posters reflecting importance of environment exhibited by students drew attention.