Chief Secretary Vivek Dhand on Thursday said that development must not be at the cost of nature and biodiversity; rather there should be a balance between all three.
He stated this, while addressing a national seminar organised by State Forest Department on the occasion of International Biodiversity Day at the New Circuit House here.
The Chief Secretary in his address, after inaugurating the seminar, said that it is necessary to maintain balance between nature, environment and development works. Although it is a big challenge before the modern world, but consistent and collective efforts in this direction can make it possible, he insisted.
“Our ancestors have always taught that entire earth is a family and every member has a role to play for well-being of this family. It is our responsibility to nurture each and every member of the family and not harm them. Be it flora and fauna or even the smallest insect, each of these are useful for maintaining ecological balance”, the Chief Secretary remarked.
He further said that forest resources, including both forested regions and revenue forests, constitute 50 per cent of the total area of Chhattisgarh. And biodiversity of these rich forest resources is simply amazing.
Dhand added that Chhattisgarh has sufficient water and forest resources, which are home to thousands of paddy species. Efficient steps are also being taken to conserve the biodiversity in the State.
He said that it is necessary to take significant measures to conserve nature, environment and biodiversity.
In the first session, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest AK Singh thanked the international organizations for taking effective steps for the conservation of biodiversity.
later in the seminar, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest Ramprakash provided detailed information about the measures adopted in the State for biodiversity conservation.
On the occasion, a welcome speech was delivered by Principal Chief Conservator of Forest Dr Arvind Boaj. In the second session, Vice-Chancellor of Dayanand Aagl Vedic Vishwavidyalay Jalandhar Prof RK Kohli, Prof PS Radhakrishnan from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi and other experts also expressed their views.
On the occasion, Principal Secretary, Forest Department, Amitabh Jain and other senior officials were also present.