SUBHASH MISHRA
Ranchi, July 5: The Jharkhand Biodiversity Board (JBB) launched its plastic-free land awareness campaign at the Jagannath Mela in Ranchi’s Dhurva today. Along with spreading awareness, the Board distributed 200 saplings of native species free of cost to villagers, army personnel, sanitation workers, and police officers in and around the Mela grounds.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Member Secretary of JBB, Sanjeev Kumar, stated that the campaign aims to conserve biodiversity, eliminate plastic waste from the land, and promote a drug-free lifestyle.
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Focus on De-Addiction and Native Plant Awareness
Board member Dr. Amarnath Singh added that the campaign also included awareness on de-addiction and healthy living. Sanjeev Kumar highlighted that this initiative is part of a broader state-wide plastic elimination campaign launched on World Environment Day (June 5), which emphasizes the importance of native plant species.
He further explained that the general public is being informed about the benefits and uses of local species such as mango, amla, arjun, and neem, along with guidance on plantation and plant identification.
Interns Trained in Species Identification Around Mela Site
Board officials, including Technical Officer Hari Shankar Lal and Dr. Amarnath Singh, also trained interns to identify native species found around the Jagannath Temple in Dhurva. This knowledge will not only help raise public awareness but also equip the interns with skills to support biodiversity conservation.
Visitors to the Mela expressed their gratitude to Member Secretary Sanjeev Kumar for the initiative. The awareness drive received a positive response from the public.
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Support for Local Biodiversity Committees Emphasized
Sanjeev Kumar noted that with the support of the Board, Panchayats—through their Biodiversity Management Committee presidents and secretaries—can make every possible effort to conserve biodiversity at the grassroots level.
Participants in the campaign included committee members Kammu Devi, Sanju Devi, Madhubala Devi, Arun Mahali, and Sanicharwa Tirki, along with Board members Manish Kumar, Sunil Kumar, Dhirendra Kumar, Moni Kumari, Pallavi Bharti, and Amarnath.
