Mangalore : It was a grand welcome for Bantwal MLA Ramanatha Rai who is now the Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment, when he arrived at the Mangalore Airport on May 21, Tuesday. Mangalore North MLA Moideen Bava and Health and Family Welfare Minister UT Khader were present among others.

Speaking to media persons, Rai said he was committed to his stand against the Netravathi river diversion project. He said all out efforts would be made to protect the Western Ghats. He also clarified that he was in no way  dissatisfied over the portfolio assigned to him. He said he has already handled the Home Ministry, Excise, Prison, Fire Service and Transport  and added his portfolio as forest minister is challenging.

He said all out efforts would be made to create an awareness among the masses on the need to protect ecological balance, the new minister  said he would work wholeheartedly for the development of the district.

Making it clear that he would not bow down to builder mafia, he said stern action will follow against unauthorized constructions.