Karwar: Noted actor and environmentalist Suresh Heblikar called for the need to exploit tourism opportunities in the Western Ghats provides instead of bringing in hazardous industries and disturbing the ecosystem there.

Addressing a function organized by Pahare Vedike, which completed 75 weeks of cleaning the city, Heblikar said there are ample opportunities for the development of tourism in the Western Ghats. The five big islands off Karwar beach can also be developed into tourist places. "Karwar beach itself is one of the finest beaches, but we failed to showcase it," he said. The rise in number of vehicles in Bengaluru is putting pressure on the Western Ghats, he added.

Deputy commissioner Ujjwal Kumar Ghosh, Pahare Vedike convener Nagaraj Nayak, and Karward CMC president Ganapati Naik spoke on the occasion.