SUBHASH MISHRA
Ranchi, June 17: The Jharkhand Biodiversity Board (JBB) observed World Desertification and Drought Control Day on Tuesday by organizing a series of awareness programmes in Ranchi. A key event was a workshop held at Palash Bhawan, Doranda, where experts and officials emphasized the urgent need for land conservation to combat desertification and drought.
In addition to the day’s theme, the JBB also highlighted its celebration of the Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh.
This year’s global theme underscores that land restoration is not just an environmental priority but also a crucial step towards ensuring livelihoods, food security, water conservation, and employment.
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Experts Stress Sustainable Practices to Restore Land
Sanjeev Kumar, PCCF-cum-Member Secretary of JBB, inaugurated the workshop and outlined key causes behind the degradation of fertile land. “Chemical farming, climate change, mining, deforestation, and urbanization are major contributors to turning productive land into barren wasteland,” he said.
He further stressed, “Biodiversity strengthens land, while land erosion depletes biodiversity. Barren land threatens food, water, and livelihood security. The solution lies in promoting organic farming, pollution control, environmental protection, and public awareness.”
Kumar also highlighted that approximately 68 percent of Jharkhand’s land has been degraded, but it can still be saved through the plantation of native species, biodiversity conservation, rainwater harvesting, reduced plastic use, and sustainable agriculture.
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Academic Participation and Recognition
Dr. Prashenjit Mukherjee of K.O. College, Gumla, and Dr. Chakravarti from Birsa Agricultural University also addressed the workshop, sharing insights on ecological and agricultural practices to mitigate land degradation.
During the event, Member Secretary Sanjeev Kumar presented a certificate to Hari Shankar Lal, Technical Officer of the council, for his awareness initiatives conducted through the Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC).
The programme also saw participation from District Board member Adil Azim and committee secretary Kajru Munda, along with Shanicharva Tirkey, Irshad Ansari, Asha Devi, Kammu Devi, Indu Tigga, Arun Mahali, and student interns from various colleges.
