Patna: In a significant initiative towards environmental conservation and fostering community engagement, the Bihar State Disaster Management Authority (BSDMA) is set to work on gross ecological products (GEP), which refers to the total value contributed by the ecosystem to human welfare, sustainable economic and social development. This was announced by BSDMA member P.N. Rai during ‘Inse Miliye’ program organised by the Authority on Tuesday.
Speaking on the occasion, Rai noted the significant increase in green cover in Bihar from a mere 7% to 15%. He announced the authority’s forthcoming work on GEP. It is the total monetary value of ecological products generated within a region over a given period, which represents the transformation of the “priceless” ecosystem services into a measurable economic value.
In his inaugural address, BSDMA member Manish Kumar Verma underscored the enactment of national laws for environmental safeguarding, emphasizing the need to designate special areas for biodiversity conservation. He stressed the transformation of environmental protection into a mass movement, urging collective participation. Verma elaborated on the authority’s novel initiatives such as the “Nitish Pendant” and ‘BSDRN App.’
Notable environmentalist Padma Bhushan Dr. Anil Prakash Joshi highlighted impending disasters, urging entrepreneurs to remain vigilant amid the escalating threat of global warming. He emphasized the urgency of proactive measures to avert dire consequences, advocating for the conservation of water, life, land, and forests.
Dr. Joshi also emphasized the necessity of an ecologically inclusive economy, calling for collaboration among environmental researchers, industrialists, and the public. He highlighted the evolving global landscape over the past 300 years, stressing the importance of adapting to new developmental paradigms and ensuring prosperity aligns with sustainability.
During the event, BSDMA member Kaushal Kishor Mishra, along with Dr. Anil Prakash Joshi, honored senior journalist and environmentalist Pankaj Malviya with plants and traditional attire.
The event saw the presence of senior officials including Secretary Meenendra Kumar, Special Secretary Ashutosh Singh, and environmentalist Dr. Nagendra Mehta along with other administrative staff.
The program underscored the necessity for collaborative efforts towards environmental preservation and sustainable development, resonating with Bihar’s commitment to a greener and resilient future.
