Mangaluru : President of the Zilla Panchayat Dinakar Babu has said that proper utilisation of human resource and promotion of sustainable development were essential to tackle the problems posed by an increasing population.

He was speaking after inaugurating the district-level World Population Day function organised by the Department of Health and Family Welfare and other organisations, here on Tuesday.

Mr. Babu said that an increasing population also poses multifarious problems, including that of provision of food and water, poverty, destruction of forests, and environmental pollution. Reckless greed and consumption would spell the doom for humanity, he added.

The present generation had an obligation for the future. Hence, another challenge was promotion of sustainable development keeping in mind the interests of future generations. One of the methods of controlling unbridled population was through the adoption of family planning methods, Mr. Babu said. ZP vice-president Sheela K. Shetty said poverty and ignorance of family planning methods were also the reasons for increasing population. Speaking on the topic of leading a healthy lifestyle, Manoj Johnson, resource person, said people should consume nutritious food, and vegetables should be a part of their diet. He also explained home remedies for various illnesses.

Nagaratna, Taluk Health Officer, welcomed the gathering. Sriram Rao, District Family Welfare Officer, delivered the introductory remarks. President of the Udupi City Municipal Council Meenakshi Bannanje presided over the function.

President of the Taluk Panchayat Nalini P. Rao , M.G. Ram, in-charge District Health Officer, Jagadish Kumar, Principal of Government Girls Pre-University College, Vishwanath Bairy, Principal of Government Girls High School, and others were present. A jatha and a short play by Accredited Social Health Activists was also held as part of the programme.