Bengaluru: Karnataka had lost one third of its forest land in the last few decades, said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Speaking to media after inaugurating the State sponsored World Environment Day function on Sunday at Kanteerava indoor stadium, he expressed concern over the steeply declining forest land and called for immediate remedial measures to stop deforestation.

He also affirmed the government’s dedication to do the best to improve forestation in the State in the coming days.

Three individuals and organisations, working on environmental issues, were felicitated in the function.

Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah launched an 8 lac sapling programme undertaken by the State’s Ministry of Forest.

Minister for forest Ramanath Rai and others were present at the function.