Mysuru, March 8 -- Environmental activist and Kannada film actor Suresh Heblikar has urged the youth to take up the responsibility of protecting forests, emphasising that their role is crucial in environmental conservation.

Speaking at a convention of Mysuru Division Rovers and Rangers, organised by the Mysuru District Bharat Scouts and Guides at K. Puttaswamy First Grade College, Gokulam 3rd Stage, yesterday, Heblikar expressed concern over the destruction of fertile agricultural lands.

"Fertile lands are being subjected to modern slavery, and the Western Ghats - which have enriched our State and culture - are being exploited. Greedy individuals are cutting down forests to grow commercial crops like areca nut and rubber. The responsibi...