Anil Kumble talks green, and the crowds love it

With more people visiting forests, cricketer and vice-chairman of Karnataka State Wildlife Board, Anil Kumble, has said people should know how to conduct themselves in the wild.

Speaking on the occasion of World Environment Day on Saturday, Kumble said: “Along with the forest department, I will organise an awareness campaign on forest etiquette. I will go to forest areas and tell people how to behave in the forest and how to protect the environment. This is a must.”

He decided on the initiative after his visits to forests where he saw visitors litter. He said: “While Karnataka has 22 per cent forest area, only five per cent is protected. Mere awareness and involving people is not sufficient, government will is important in protecting the environment.” Kumble, who is the public face of the forest department, believes that his popularity will help in protecting the state’s forests and wildlife.

To strengthen this cause, he proposed to rope in other cricketers. He has sent this proposal to the government. On the occasion, he was accompanied by 12 dignitaries. The crowd cheered every time Kumble’s name was mentioned. There were many instances where ministers had to stop their speech till the crowd — comprising of students, teachers and officials — settled down. Embarrassed, Kumble asked the audience “not make so much noise, but listen to what others had to say.”

He stated that sparrows had disappeared from Bangalore. “I was surprised to see sparrows two years ago at the airport. But they are now gradually going away from there as well. World Environment Day promises should not be forgotten like New Year’s resolutions. For children to generate interest in protecting the environment, they should observe birds in their homes, study them and take note of them. Interest in wildlife is the only way to protect it.”