Shivamogga: A large number of student volunteers and govt employees cleared litter from the stretch between Kuvempu University’s Tunga Gate and Gonibeedu on Saturday, as part of an environmental awareness and cleanliness campaign aimed at safeguarding the ecological integrity of the Lakkavalli Wildlife Range.TOI had reported a month ago that the forest in this area was turning into a rubbish dump.Inaugurating the drive, ACF Santosh (Lakkavalli WL) highlighted the logistical challenges of managing waste in protected zones. “The forest is not a dumping ground, yet we see a staggering amount of plastic entering the sanctuary from the main roads,” he said, stressing that public awareness is the first line of defence for wildlife, as the forest department cannot monitor the behaviour of every traveller.Throughout the day, volunteers scoured forest fringes and roadsides, removing large quantities of non-biodegradable waste and plastic that posed a threat to wildlife. Truckloads of waste were transported to the waste management system with the help of the local administration.The campaign was organised by the Sustira Eco Club and the wildlife and management department of Kuvempu University, in association with the Karnataka forest department and Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd.Dr Vijay Kumar, chairman of the wildlife department, Prof Yogendra, chairman of the environmental science department, and Bala Sayed of Bisleri International were present.
