‘Vanamahotsava’ was observed by the Bendur parishioners by planting saplings on the road median in front of the St Sebastian Church, Bendur here on Sunday, July 17.

Parish priest Fr Antony Serrao inaugurated the Vanamahotsava by symbolically planting a sapling.  Corporators Mariamma Thomas, Naveen D’Souza and Gretta Rebello also planted saplings on the occasion.

Speaking to mangalorean.com Fr Serrao said, “We are trying to bring awareness of eco-friendliness among the parishioners. By planting saplings we can beautify the surroundings and increase greenery in the locality. Our parishioners have shown interest in planting saplings in front of the church and the college.  St. Sebastian Church and St Agnes College will look after and maintain these plants.

Mariamma Thomas speaking on the occasion said that this year the forest department had donated 300 saplings to each parish and if the parish would request for more plants, the forest department would provide the required quantity. The parish would distribute one sapling to each family within it. Further she said that planting a tree would improve the enviornment and decrease energy costs.  Planting trees would enhance the quality of life and give fresh air and thus help in improving the community health.

The members of the Youth CAL, altar boys, members of the Catholic Sabha, members of the Konkan Overseas Returnees’ Welfare association, assistant parish priest Fr Anil D’Mello and many parishioners planted the saplings from the Bendur circle to the Bendur cross circle and also inside the parish compound.