MANGALORE:

The Pilikula Nisarga Dhama Society(PNDS) has bagged the prestigious Karnataka State Environment award for the year 2010-11, for its service in the field of conservation of biodiversity of Western Ghats and Coastal Karnataka. The award consists of Rs 1 lakh cash prize and a certificate.

Chief minister B S Yeddyurappa presented the award to N S Channappa Gowda, chairman, PNDS, also the DK district deputy commissioner and J R Lobo, executive director of the society, on Sunday atBangalore.

Lobo said that the society is developing Pilikula Project in 370 acres. It has developed a botanical garden in 80 acres with rare and endangered species of Western Ghats and also Ashokavana, Bamboo grove with more than 27 species of bamboo, canes, medicinal plants, and a botanical garden of rare and endangered species. It has a zoological garden with rare species of animals and reptiles and birds. Most of the animals and reptiles are breeding.

Pilikula Society has conducted a number of awareness programmes for teachers, students and the public in the conservation of biodiversity and protection of environment

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / TNN / June 05th, 2011