Udupi: “Deforestation is the main reason behind lack of rainfall and drastic increase in temperature. Conservation of inherit forests is must for the future generation,” said district in-charge Minister Pramod Madhwaraj.

He was speaking after releasing New Year Diary of Karnataka State Forest conservers Association Sub Division and Kudremukh wildlife sanctuary Karkala and inaugurating the felicitation programme at Sheshashyana Auditorium on Sunday.

“Deforestation’s impact on rainfall is very high. If we conserved forest then it means we are conserving ourselves. It is our responsibility to conserve the forest. Even the forest department also should put their all possible efforts to conserve the forests,” he said.

Further he assured that he will speak to Chief Minister and forest minister regarding the problems of lower cadre forest department personnel and to provide appropriate facilities to them.

Association President H Devraj Pana, Forest Department Officials Dr Sanjay S Bijoor, Maria Christha Raj, District Information Officer Rohini K and others were present.