Saving Western Ghats: Sara’s Artistic Crusade in Shivamogga - Report By The Rural Mirror

 

In a novel effort to combat the looming threats of deforestation and mining in the Western Ghats, the Sara Organization in Dombekoppa village, Hosanagar taluk, Shivamogga, has launched a 15-day art camp to foster public awareness. This UNESCO World Heritage site, connecting Karnataka’s Malenadu and Karavali, is renowned for its pristine air, lush hills, and rich biodiversity. Yet, rampant development imperils its ecological balance, making conservation a pressing challenge. Through vibrant paintings, artists from Karnataka, Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Kerala have creatively depicted the region’s hills, rivers, wildlife, and flora, engaging locals in discussions on sustainability.

Led by Arun Kumar, Sara Organization blends art with research to highlight the Ghats’ ecological and cultural significance. Previously, it championed the preservation of Malenadu’s indigenous paddy varieties. Gurumurthy, a key member, underscores their mission to safeguard the region’s heritage, art, and literature. The camp’s colorful canvases vividly portray the Western Ghats’ challenges, inspiring collective action for its preservation. This artistic initiative marks a powerful step toward a sustainable future.
Read the full article at The Rural Mirror: ಪಶ್ಚಿಮ ಘಟ್ಟಗಳ ಸಂರಕ್ಷಣೆಗೆ ಜನಜಾಗೃತಿ ಮೂಡಿಸುವ ವಿನೂತನ ಪ್ರಯತ್ನ 

Keywords: Western Ghats, conservation, Sara Organization, Shivamogga, Hosanagar, Dombekoppa, art camp, biodiversity, Malenadu, Karavali, environmental awareness