LAMKA, May 22: The International Day of Biological Diversity was observed at Synod Hall, IBB Road, Lamka today.<\/p>\n
The day was organised by the Southern Forest Division, Forest department under the theme, \u2018Island Bio-diversity\u2019<\/p>\n
Parliamentary secretary Vungzagin Valte attended as the chief guest, Principal chief conservator AK Rana as the president and CAU director (Research) Rohinikumar as the guest of honour.<\/p>\n
Speaking at the function, Rohinikumar said the number of bio-diversity hot-spots has increased from 25 to 34 in the past few years.<\/p>\n
AK Rana said they had selected the district for the observation, as he think it is the need of the hour and that the district has the potential for transformation.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need to give a thought as to what we will leave behind for our young generation, will we leave only barren land\/ forest, animals, insects, etc,\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAs all religious books say, we should respect nature.\u201d<\/p>\n
The earth has enough resources for all of us, and we are the only custodians of the earth, and bear the moral authority to act against deforestation, he said.<\/p>\n
Forest in the state has been vanishing at the rate of 190 sq km during the last three to four years, he said.<\/p>\n
Speaking on the theme of the day, he said \u201cWe are an island not surrounded by water but by ignorance.\u201d<\/p>\n
V Valte expressed happiness on seeing presence of many village chiefs at the program.<\/p>\n
He said the observation would have little meaning in the absence of the village chiefs.<\/p>\n
The chief guest further urged the forest dept to look for viable solutions as the people depend on the forest for their livelihood.<\/p>\n
\u201cJudicious use of forest product is the best option,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He said that the forest dept should see to it that the forest products are used in such a way that it helps the people and at the same time stresses on the importance of forest and biodiversity.<\/p>\n
The program was also attended by officials of Forest Dept, Vunglunmang Jt Secy, SP of CCpur Kabib, Dr Khaizalian chief conservator of forest and others.<\/p>\n
Award distribution for a on the spot essay competition organized by the forest Dept, for state and district level were handed out by the chief guest and other dignitaries.<\/p>\n\n