Suttur, June 22, 2019: Dr. Arun Balamatti, Chief of the ICAR JSS Krishi Vignan Kendra and Senior Scientist, voiced his apprehensions about the current weather conditions and the alarming shortage of rainfall during the rainy season. His remarks came during the ‘Environment Day’ program held at the JSS Residential School in Suttur.
Dr. Balamatti expressed his deep concern over the changing weather patterns and the resulting scarcity of rainfall. He emphasized that the environmental balance has been severely disrupted, making it challenging even for weather experts to accurately predict weather outcomes. Over the past decade, the environment has faced serious degradation, leading to a state where it is struggling to protect itself. Disturbingly, approximately 40% of fauna and 70% of insect species have already been destroyed.
Highlighting the consequences of these changes, Dr. Balamatti drew attention to the increasing temperatures and the devastating impact on human lives. In Europe alone, more than 90,000 people lose their lives annually due to rising temperatures. He emphasized the importance of this year’s World Environment Day theme, ‘Air Pollution,’ and stressed that nature can fulfill our needs but not our greed. Researchers predict that vertebrates such as tigers, lions, elephants, and bears may face extinction within the next seven years, leaving future generations to rely on photographs and films for their existence. Dr. Balamatti urged individuals to question and reflect upon their own actions and take a collective pledge to protect the environment.
The ‘Environment Day’ program was attended by Sri G. Shivamallu, Headmaster of JSS Residential School, Smt. C.P. Nirmala, Sri B.M. Siddappa, Sri G.M. Shadakshari, and other distinguished guests.