India is a country of rich Bio-Diversity: Dr.Jerath

International Bio-Diversity Day Celebrated at Science City
Kapurthala, May 22, 2017: India is the seventh largest country in the world and Asia’s second largest nation with an area of 3.29 million sq km. With only 2.5% of land area of the world, it accounts for 7.8% of the global recorded species especially because of its varied physiography, diverse climatic conditions and a variety of habitats. It is one of the top 12 mega biodiversity countries and has 4 of 35 biodiversity hot spots areas are Western Ghats, Himalayas, Sundalands and Indo-Burma (Nicobar Island). The country is estimated to have 49,000 plant species and 81,000 animal species representing 12.5% of the world’s flora and 6.6% of its fauna”,said Dr. Neelama Jerath, Pro Vice –Chancellor Desh Bhagat University Mandi Gobind Garh and Former Director General Science City on the occasion of celebration of International Bio-Diversity Day at PGSC. The function was organized in the collaboration with Punjab Bio-Diversity Board Chandigarh.
Dr.Jerath further stated, that Punjab has a very small area under forest cover (approximately 6% of the total geographical area). The state was known to harbour great genetic variability; however, over the years this has reduced due to change in cropping pattern and higher dependence on certain high yielding varieties of crops.
She said International Day for Biological Diversity is celebrated across the globe every year on22nd May to increase understanding and awareness on issues concerning biodiversity conservation. Biodiversity, at the level of species and ecosystems, provides an important foundation for many aspects of tourism. A well-managed tourist sector can contribute significantly in reducing threats to, and maintain or increase, key wildlife populations and biodiversity values through tourism revenue.
Speaking on this occasion, Dr. Rajesh Grover, Director Science City said that Biodiversity is fundamental to the existence of life on Earth and the importance of it cannot be underestimated. He further added that in recent years, mass migration of villagers from the state and regular burning of forests has wiped out communities of insects, birds, amphibians and reptiles, besides, of course, most mammals. He further added that due to the damage we have caused, and the value that biodiversity ensures to us as humans, adoption of various security and conservation measures on this earth to curb the menace of global warming is essential. Painting and Science Play competition were also organized on this occasion.
Result of the Competitions: Science Play: First prize went to Govt. Sen. Sec. School Chohal Hoshiarpur,DRB DAV School Phillour Stood Second and DAV Model School Kapurthla achieved third prize.
Painting Competition: Anuj from Lala Jagat Naryan DAV School Jalandhar got first prize, Neeraj from DRB DAV School Phillour stood second and third prize grabbed by Ms Shelja from Sanskriti KMV School Jalandhar.