Hollywood icon Leonardo Di Caprio has been urged to discontinue backing the Cauvery Calling programme in India.
The project was initially set up in order to plant trees around one of the country’s endangered rivers. The initiative would, therefore, boost the ecological systems in the surrounding area.
However, an open letter signed by more than 90 environmental groups aimed to persuade Di Caprio against the idea. Within the contents of the documents were warnings that the campaign may result in “the destruction of flora” and “drying up of streams”.
The letter continued with the signatories stating: “This isn’t a programme that may offer protection to Cauvery, her forests, her biodiversity, her kids, and her kids’ kids. It’ll by no means save Cauvery.”
Despite the potential damage of the campaign, Di Caprio was praised for his tireless work for the planet, continuing the fight against climate change. The letter applauded him for “case-sensitively selling conservation methods” and much more of his lobbying work.
‘Sadhguru‘ Jaggi Vasudev originally began the Cauvery Calling programme. Sadhguru is a well-known Indian celebrity who offers his spiritual living and mediation tips across the country. He also gains endorsements from various Bollywood stars.
The Cauvery campaign fundraiser was initiated to raise funds for the plantation of 2.42bn tree. So far it has raised enough to plant 40m trees. The Cauvery River runs across 81,000 square metres, where these new plantations would be made.
The Sadhguru organisation has come under fire for its complete disregard of humanitarian rights and environmental laws. They have also been accused of building their headquarters on an Elephant Corridor. It yet remains to be seen whether the Southern India River project will go ahead or whether its funding will be revoked.
By Manisha Bhanot
