Latest news with #InternationalBiodiversityDay
Time of India
27-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
IWWA, Nagpur Centre celebrates International Biodiversity Day
1 2 3 4 5 Nagpur: The Indian Water Works Association (IWWA), Nagpur Centre, celebrated International Biodiversity Day on May 26 at IWWA Hall Shankar Nagar, with a lecture by Dr Alka Chaturvedi, ex-HoD, Botony, Nagpur University, on the topic 'Need for Biodiversity'. She explained the concepts of evolution and biodiversity in India. She also discussed the basic principles and emphasised how anthropogenic activities are contributing to the decline in biodiversity, supporting her points with relevant statistics. She further highlighted that conserving biodiversity is crucial not only for the well-being of current and future generations but also for ensuring the sustainability of Mother Earth. The lecture was attended by over 45 members. Prominent among those present were Dr Sanjoy Roy, vice-chairman of IWWA Nagpur Centre, NM Bangre and Dr VA Mhaisalkar, past chairmen, Dr KC Tayade, Dr Pawan Labhsetwar, AS Deshpande, Rajesh Kanade. The lecture was coordinated by Dr Kalpana Bhole. Dr ON Mukherjee chairman IWWA, Nagpur Centre welcomed the guest. Dr Isha Khedikar secretary, proposed a vote of thanks.
India Gazette
23-05-2025
- General
- India Gazette
J-K: Authorities celebrate International Biodiversity Day with students in Srinagar
Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], May 23 (ANI): To raise awareness about environmental conservation, authorities celebrated International Biodiversity Day at Tagore Hall in Srinagar on Friday with a gathering of students, forest officials, and nature enthusiasts. The event, organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Biodiversity Council, aimed to educate people, particularly the youth, about the importance of biodiversity, healthy forests, green mountains, meadows, and water bodies. Experts highlighted how climate change and global warming are drastically altering the environment, creating daily challenges for people. Eminent speakers, including forest department officials, academicians, biologists, botanists, columnists, and wildlife experts, delivered lectures on the urgent need for robust biodiversity to safeguard future generations. A large number of students from various schools and colleges attended the event. The participants demanded that the government should organise monthly progress in educational institutions to further educate the youth about environmental conservation. 'I believe that biodiversity should not be celebrated only on a single day. It should be a priority every day. We must always strive to protect our environment and maintain a healthy ecosystem,' Alam Syed, a student told ANI. 'If we look at the ozone layer, for example, pollution levels were much lower in the past, and the ozone layer was in better condition. Now, however, due to increased pollution, we are experiencing extreme heat waves as a result of ozone layer depletion. Our ecosystem is deteriorating more and more. 'That is why I believe that whatever initiatives we are taking now--no matter how small--should be implemented in our daily lives. Whether in schools, colleges, or on campuses, we should spread more awareness about biodiversity and environmental conservation,' he added. (ANI)
New Indian Express
23-05-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Pawan Kalyan calls for public to protect nature, announces biodiversity parks in all districts
VIJAYAWADA : Deputy Chief Minister K Pawan Kalyan on Thursday urged the public, especially youth, to become active protectors of nature, warning that forest encroachment is on the rise while defenders of biodiversity are dwindling. Speaking at the International Biodiversity Day celebrations at Tummalapalli Kshetrayya Kalakshetram, he emphasised that the first step toward protecting biodiversity must begin at home. As part of the State government's commitment, Pawan Kalyan announced that a Biodiversity Park will be established in every district and a Village Forest (Palle Vanam) in every village to safeguard local ecosystems. 'Thousands of trees can be planted just by creating and dispersing seed balls,' he said. 'Unfortunately, many leaders today look at open land as property to grab. But when I see a vacant space, I see a future forest.' He also expressed concern over the rapid destruction of mangrove forests, which naturally form along coastal regions and act as protective barriers during natural disasters such as cyclones and tsunamis. 'Mangroves are our frontline defence during coastal disasters. It is tragic that they are being destroyed,' he said, adding that the state government is formulating plans to increase mangrove cover across Andhra Pradesh. He called on individuals and communities to become stewards of the environment.
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
CM cites Sanatan traditions to emphasise environ conservation
Lucknow: Underscoring the importance of collective responsibility and public participation in environmental conservation, Chief Minister on Thursday urged the people to live in harmony with nature, drawing upon India's Vedic philosophy and Sanatan traditions, which underscore the deep cultural reverence for the environment. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Inaugurating the national seminar–2025 on International Biodiversity Day, the CM highlighted the theme 'Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development' and said that safeguarding the environment is a shared duty and not of the govt alone. He cited the Vedic Shanti Path, saying every auspicious ritual in Sanatan Dharma begins with prayers for the well-being of the earth, water, sky and all living beings, underscoring humanity's deep-rooted connection with nature and biodiversity. Citing Atharva Veda, he referred to a verse that reveres the earth as a mother and humans as her children, bound by duty to protect her. Reaffirming India's global commitment to biodiversity conservation, an issue that gained international attention in 1992, CM Yogi emphasised that achieving the goal of net-zero emissions by 2070 requires active participation from every individual, as resolved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Govt efforts alone are not enough... Sustainable development will only be possible when society works harmoniously with nature," he said. Reflecting on India's self-reliant rural traditions, the CM recalled how villages once had barns, pasture lands, ponds and compost pits, all contributing significantly to environmental sustainability. Solid waste was turned into compost, ponds ensured hygiene, and pasture lands supported livestock. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now However, these time-tested practices were neglected in pursuing modernity, leading to ecological imbalance and the rise of disease. He warned that practices like converting ponds into drainage outlets and encroaching on pasture lands are short-sighted and self-destructive. Highlighting Uttar Pradesh's commitment to environmental protection, the chief minister said that the State Biodiversity Board is spearheading new campaigns to realise the vision of 'Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development'. Over the past eight years, the forest department has significantly expanded the state's green cover by planting over 210 crore trees. He further noted that under the Namami Gange initiative, substantial progress was made in restoring the cleanliness and uninterrupted flow of the Ganga, especially in Kanpur, once considered one of the most polluted stretches. He said, "Today, the Ganga flows clean and vibrant in that region, reflecting the success of these focused efforts". Yogi also stressed the importance of traditional knowledge and local customs in biodiversity conservation. He referred to Sanatan Dharma, where flora and fauna are deeply integrated with spiritual beliefs, trees like peepal, banyan, and jamun are revered, and animals are considered sacred. Recalling age-old practices, he mentioned how, in earlier times, even ants were not harmed but gently removed by offering flour and sugar, an example of coexistence and ecological compassion. The CM said that excessive mechanisation, whether in drainage systems or industrial processes, is detrimental to the environment. He advocated a return to natural and indigenous methods, such as traditional water purification systems once prevalent in rural areas. He raised concerns over the declining population of ecologically significant species like the Jatayu, which once played a vital role in nature's purification cycle. Harmful side-effects of chemical fertilisers and pharmaceutical residues brought such species to extinction. Calling for a collective awakening, he said that biodiversity conservation must become a 'Jan Andolan'. CM honours environ efforts Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited a biodiversity-themed exhibition during the seminar, engaging directly with stall owners to learn about their showcased products. He released the Green Budget and a Biodiversity booklet, recognizing efforts toward environmental conservation. He also honoured students who demonstrated talent and environmental awareness by awarding winners of painting, essay, and debate competitions. Furthermore, he provided Rs 10,000 incentives to individuals recognized for their outstanding contributions to carbon credit initiatives and presented certificates of appreciation to NGO-affiliated farmers.
Indian Express
22-05-2025
- General
- Indian Express
UP CM says safeguarding environment a shared duty, not govt's alone
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday said that safeguarding the environment is a duty shared by the general public and is not of the government's alone. Inaugurating the National Seminar–2025 on International Biodiversity Day, in Lucknow, the CM said every auspicious ritual in Sanatan Dharma begins with prayers for the well-being of the earth, water, sky, and all living beings. In the Atharva Veda, there is a verse that reveres the earth as mother and humans as her children, bound by the duty to protect her, he added. Citing the Vedic Shanti Path (Vedic peace tradition), the CM said the State Biodiversity Board is spearheading new campaigns to realise the vision of 'harmony with nature and sustainable development. The Forest Department has significantly expanded the state's green cover by planting over 210 crore trees in the past eight years, he claimed. Under the Namami Gange initiative, substantial progress has been made in restoring the cleanliness and uninterrupted flow of the Ganga, especially in Kanpur, once considered one of the most polluted stretches, he noted. 'Today, the Ganga flows clean in that region, reflecting the success of these focused efforts,' he claimed. In Sanatan Dharma, trees like peepal, banyan and jamun are worshiped and animals are considered sacred, the CM said. In earlier times, even ants were not harmed but gently removed by offering flour and sugar, an example of coexistence and ecological compassion, he added. He raised concerns over the declining population of ecologically significant species like vulture, which once played a vital role in nature's purification cycle. Harmful side-effects of chemical fertilisers and pharmaceutical residues have brought such species to extinction. Adityanath urged people to recognise these creatures' importance and express gratitude towards the wisdom embedded in traditional practices. During the seminar, the CM visited the biodiversity-themed exhibition and released the Green Budget and a Biodiversity Booklet. He also provided Rs 10,000 incentives to individuals recognised for outstanding work in carbon credit initiatives.
