SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Feb 14: The successful execution of the Biodiversity Act in Jharkhand has been widely praised at the ongoing three-day 136th Foundation Day celebrations of the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) and the third International Symposium on Plant Taxonomy and Ethnobotany in Kolkata. Jharkhand’s approach to biodiversity conservation has been highlighted as a model for other states.

The symposium, held from February 13 to 15, features participation from representatives of Jharkhand, West Bengal, Maharashtra, and other states. Discussions focus on steps for enhancing botanical gardens and biodiversity conservation efforts.

Jharkhand’s Efforts in Biodiversity Conservation
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Member Secretary of the Jharkhand Biodiversity Board (JBB), Sanjeev Kumar, is representing the state at the event. He elaborated on the successful implementation of the Biodiversity Act in Jharkhand and its growing impact on local communities.
Also Read- SC extends Puja Khedkar’s interim protection from arrest till March 17

During the event, Kumar also presented his book on India’s traditional knowledge systems, which received high appreciation from experts and participants from various states. His work was acknowledged for its contributions to traditional knowledge preservation and medicinal plant conservation.
Panel Discussions and Recognition
Kumar participated in a panel discussion alongside representatives from West Bengal, Maharashtra, Odisha, and other states, where he emphasized awareness initiatives crucial for the effective implementation of the Biodiversity Act in Jharkhand.

The event was also attended by Balaji, Member Secretary of the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), Chennai. Experts at the symposium highly commended Kumar’s book for its significance in preserving indigenous knowledge. In recognition of his contributions to biodiversity conservation and public awareness initiatives, Kumar was felicitated at the symposium.