Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan has called upon people to conserve biological diversity of the country by protecting nature.
Addressing the audience at the Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University on the International Day of Biological Diversity on Tuesday, observed by National Biodiversity Authority, Mr. Narasimhan said interrelationship among various organisms was recognised during ancient times, and animals and birds were worshipped by being associated with Gods. Worshipping trees was also part of the culture of subcontinent.
As the civilisation has advanced, human beings have begun to pollute the environs, leading to ailments fostered by use of pesticides, hybrid varieties, and artificial ripening of fruits, he said.
Mr. Narasimhan felt that farmers should be involved in a big way for conservation of biodiversity.
Calling cities “concrete crematoria”, Mr. Narasimhan noted that hardly any greenery is seen in any Indian city. Hyderabad was known as the city of lakes, but the lakes have fast disappeared now.
The Governor wondered aloud why punitive action should not be taken against those polluting the Hussainsagar by letting in sewage and effluents. Though the Telangana government has taken up the task of rejuvenating lakes and forests rejuvenation, it is not the duty of government alone, he said, and added that loss of self discipline has resulted in ravaging of the environment.
Noting that technology has become the master of human race, Mr. Narasimhan said no technology can withstand nature’s fury.
Later, he gave away the India Biodiversity Awards in various categories.
Minister for Environment and Forests Jogu Ramanna said Telangana is at the forefront in formation of Biodiversity Management Committees and People’s Biodiversity Registers, and expressed happiness at the State winning two biodiversity awards.
Secretary, Department of Agricultural Cooperation and Farmers’ Welfare, S.K. Pattanayak said sustainable management of various resources is necessary for food security.
Though two billion dollars are being spent every year on conservation of biodiversty hotspots such as Western ghats, Eastern ghats and Himalayan eco system, there is little progress, he said.
Centuries of conservation efforts by farmers has resulted in the climate smart varieties. The time has come to recognise such efforts and reward the farmers, and it is being done by Protection of Plant Variety and Farmers Right Act, Dr. Pattanayak said, and called for mechanism for benefit sharing.
UNDP Country Director Marina Walter said the success of protecting biodiversity in India will have great impact on the efforts world over.
