Patna: The Bihar State Biodiversity Board marked International Biodiversity Day with a state-level celebration held at Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park in Patna, bringing together top government officials, environmentalists, and school students to spotlight the importance of preserving the region’s rich biodiversity.
The event, which aimed to raise awareness of the global biodiversity crisis and the need for urgent conservation efforts, featured Dr Sunil Kumar, Bihar’s Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, as the chief guest. Harjot Kaur Bamhrah, Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of the department, attended as the special guest.
In his address, Minister Kumar emphasised the urgent need to halt biodiversity loss, warning that its degradation was closely linked to the escalating threats of climate change, global warming, and land erosion. “Bihar is blessed with rich biodiversity – from forests and rivers to diverse flora and fauna – and it is our responsibility to protect this balance of nature,” he said. He also encouraged young people to become actively involved in biodiversity conservation, congratulating the winners of a recent student competition.
Held on 19 May, the state-level painting and photography contest saw participation from 1,165 students representing 24 schools. Students were recognised for their creativity and environmental commitment during the ceremony.
ACS Bamhra echoed these sentiments, noting that “the health of any ecosystem is directly tied to the diversity it supports.” She highlighted several key initiatives launched by the state, including the Agriculture Road Map (4th Edition), Hariyali Mission, and Wetland Conservation Scheme, aimed at bolstering green cover, protecting water resources, and safeguarding biodiversity. These efforts, she said, have made a measurable difference in agricultural and ecological resilience across the state.
The programme was opened by Bharat Jyoti, Chairman of the Bihar State Biodiversity Board, while S. Chandrashekhar, the board’s Secretary, anchored the event.
Also in attendance were top forest officials including Prabhat Kumar Gupta, Chief of Forest Force; Arvind Singh, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests; Abhay Kumar Dwivedi, Additional Principal Chief Conservator; and Hemant Patil, Director of Patna Zoo.
