Webinar on biodiversity conservation organized by Press Information Bureau

GUWAHATI: Growth and Development of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' is concomitant with forest, wildlife and biodiversity conservation, experts opined in a Webinar organized by Press Information Bureau, Guwahati on the topic here on Thursday.

A galaxy of experts from Environment fraternity, Government sector along with academicians deliberated and discussed about the potential from growth, environment and policy perspective.

Padmashri Dr Kushal KonwarSarma, well-known as 'elephant doctor of Assam' from Khanapara, Guwahati said that on 150 years of celebration of the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and celebration of 'Wildlife Week' it calls for a responsibilityGrowth and Development of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' is concomitant with forest, wildlife and biodiversity conservation, experts opined in a Webinar organized by Press Information Bureau, Guwahati on the topic here on Thursday.stories which are encouraging and continuous efforts for Project Lion and Project Dolphin, biodiversity, protection of forest and conservation of wildlife are important aspects. He said that India is a country which has 17 per cent of world population and 2.4 per cent land, so along with growth and development of the country, wildlife and biodiversity conservation are equally imperative.

Padmashri Jadav Payeng, well-known as the 'Forest man of India' from Majuli said that Forest is the mother of all living beings in the world. With grit and passion as he emphasized that forest ecosystem is important component of the value chain of development of the country. Payeng said that Forest conservation and afforestation have to be dovetailed for sustainable growth of the country with awareness among people, particularly the youth. He further said that forest conservation is a process which is planned and coordinated effort with Environment Management for the benefit of the humans and the ecosystem. He said that forestry helps in proper environmental balance including rainfall, soil fertility and water level of the region.

Padma Naresh Chander Lal, Ambassador of Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan, Andamaan and Nicobar Island said that Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan is correlated with Country's Growth and Development and particularly, with sustainable development of forest ecosystem. He said that pollution and deforestation have to be tackled in a planned manner by afforestation and utilization of eco-friendly technology. Lal said that problems such as desertification and soil erosion are some of the issues are impediments in the development of forest ecosystem. He said that Swachhta means behavioural and attitudinal change in individuals too because awareness is must when it comes to driving the message of Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan. Lal said that Andamaan and Nicobar and Assam which have huge natural resources and diversity could leverage its competitive advantage for the eco-friendly growth and development of the country. (PIB)