Unchecked exploitation of natural resources across the globe for achieving development is posing serious threat to biodiversity. Since, the issue is linked with fauna present on the earth, it is the responsibility of all to protect biodiversity,” stated Chhattisgarh’s Forest Minister Mahesh Gagda.
He was speaking at a seminar titled ‘Mainstreaming Biodiversity: Sustaining People and their livelihood’ organised by Chhattisgarh Forest Department on Sunday in Raipur to mark International Biodiversity Day.
The seminar was presided over by Chairman of Chhattisgarh State Medicinal Plant Board Ram Pratap Singh while Parliamentary Secretary Champadevi Pawle and Chairman of Chhattisgarh State Forest Development Corporation Srinivas Rao were present as special invitees.
Gagda further said that around 44 percent land in Chhattisgarh is covered by forest and suggestions given by scientists and experts during the seminar will be beneficial for the society.
Meanwhile, the Minister also released a book based on snake species, flora and diversity of Jungle Safari.
Addressing the gathering, Chairman of Chhattisgarh State Medicinal Plant Board Ram Pratap Singh said that faunas present in the nature are complementary to each other. Trees, animals, agriculture, fisheries, livestock and cultural diversity share inseparable relationship with each other and they have to rely on each other.
Expressing serious concern over situation emerged due to imbalance in nature, Singh said the situation is leading to temperature rise and scanty rainfall. life of human being is completely depending on nature and biodiversity could only be conserved by maintaining equilibrium with nature.
The seminar was attended by senior officials of Forest Department, Vice Chancellor of Indira Gandhi Agriculture University Dr S K Patil, Vice Chancellor of Pt Ravishankar Shukla University Dr S K Pandey and others.