Indian Nawayath Forum launches ‘Green Bhatkal’ tree plantation drive

Bhatkal: With the aim of making Bhatkal greener and cleaner, the Indian Nawayath Forum (INF) on Wednesday launched a tree plantation programme under its ‘Green Bhatkal Initiative’.

The programme was held on Mohiddin Muniri Road in Nawayath Colony, where saplings were planted along the road median to mark the beginning of the drive. The initiative was formally inaugurated in the presence of Mankal Vaidya, Karnataka Minister, and Lakshmi Priya K., Deputy Commissioner of Uttara Kannada district. Praveen Karanda, Assistant Commissioner of Bhatkal Sub-Division, along with several dignitaries from Bhatkal and nearby areas, were also present.

Following the plantation activity, a brief programme was held at a nearby hall where INF reiterated its commitment to environmental protection, urban beautification and community welfare.

Addressing the gathering, INF President Aftab Kola said the organisation has been consistently working for the social, moral, educational, economic and cultural upliftment of society. He highlighted that INF has, over the years, implemented a range of community-oriented initiatives including trade expos, job fairs, mobile medical services, education and health camps, groundwater recharge projects, scholarships, COVID-19 relief work, and leadership and skill development programmes.

He also informed that INF manages a dialysis centre in Bhatkal equipped with four modern machines, providing affordable treatment to patients, and is currently working on a budget housing scheme for deserving beneficiaries.

Speaking on the importance of the day’s initiative, Aftab Kola said environmental protection has become a shared responsibility in the face of global warming and the unchecked exploitation of natural resources. He noted that environmental conservation is deeply rooted in Islamic teachings and recalled the Prophet Muhammad’s emphasis on planting trees, cleanliness and compassion towards nature.

The president said the tree plantation drive on Mohiddin Muniri Road is being undertaken with the support of the Bhatkal municipality and is part of the larger ‘Green Bhatkal Initiative’, an idea proposed by INF’s immediate past president and executive member S.M. Arshad.

He appealed to the public and stakeholders to extend their continued support to make the initiative sustainable and successful in the long run.

INF, which has earlier organised several social and welfare programmes in Bhatkal, reiterated that it will continue its efforts towards environmental protection and the overall well-being of the town.