Bojjala Gopalakrishna Reddy: Bio-diversity is important for future

Nellore: "We should conserve the bio-diversity system as it is important for the future generations," said forest minister Bojjala Gopalakrishna Reddy. He was addressing the celebrations of International Biological Diversity Day at Mahati Auditorium in Tirupati on Sunday. Earlier, he lighted the traditional lamp and inaugurated the programme.

Speaking on the occasion, he said that the biodiversity system plays a key role in the development of human subsistence. He claimed that they are taking special steps for the strengthening of bio-diversity boards at mandal and district levels by establishing bio-diversity safety committees.

He said that the bio-diversity wealth is abundant in the forest and coastal areas and the tribals and fishermen are largely dependent on this bio-diversity wealth. The government is committed to involve them in safeguarding this bio-diversity and for this purpose they are making them partners in the bio-diversity safety committees to enlighten them to save different kinds of trees, animals and birds.

Stating that the forest extent in Chittoor is around 31 per cent, he said that they are trying to increase it by another two per cent and special steps are being taken for the same. "Not only the forests, we have the responsibility to safeguard other natural environment as well," he added.

Later the minister visited various stalls set up on the occasion. After the meeting, he distributed the awards to those who worked extensively on the bio-diversity system.