1 million species of flora & fauna face extinction: Expert

Strap: Science City organises a webinar on Van Mahotsav

Tribune News Service

Kapurthala, July 7

The Pushpa Gujral Science City organised a webinar to encourage plantation of saplings. The programme was sponsored by the Department of Forests and Wildlife Preservation, Punjab.

On the occasion, Kunal Satyarthi, Principal, Central Academy for State Forest Service, Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, said, “Forests are a major environmental resource in India. It is also one of the 10 most forest-rich countries of the world with rich biodiversity. According to National Forest Policy, there should be 33 per cent of the forest cover in India. According to the Forest Survey of India, the forest cover has increased to 69.8 million hectares as per satellite measurements representing an increase of 5,871 square kilometers of forest cover in 2 years. At present, forest degradation was a matter of serious concern. Sincere efforts and awareness is required to save the flora and fauna in our country.”

He said one million species of flora and fauna had already got extinct due to deforestation. “Hence, 50,000 species are being lost annually which creates imbalance in our eco-system. This occasion is meant to educate and make people aware of the need of planting trees, as trees are the best solution to control the global warming,” he added.

Dr Neelima Jerath, Director General, Science City, said, “Punjab should have at least 15 to 19 per cent forest area. If Punjab wants to increase its forest area to 19 per cent, more plantation activity is required. The Department of Forests and Wildlife preservation is taking it up under the Green India Mission. However, this is possible only through public participation. Pushpa Gujral Science City is playing an important role to bring awareness on the environmental issues. PGSC harbours rich floral biodiversity with cactus garden, herbal garden and avenue of rare endangered species. It has 5,500 trees having rich cultural and heritage value”.

DG Science City urged the students and teachers to grow more plants for saving our mother earth. People were appealed on social media to plant trees around their homes and send pictures to the Science City. In response, 271 people sent their pictures out of which selected pictures were uploaded on the PGSC website. Dr Rajesh Grover, Director Science City, was also present on this occasion.