Contribute towards preserving natural habitats: Javed Rana to people

Srinagar, May 22: Minister for Forest, Ecology & Environment, Javed Ahmed Rana, Thursday exhorted the people to contribute vigorously towards preserving the natural habitats, reducing pollution and promoting sustainable living to ensure a thriving planet for future generations.
He called for community driven conservation and biodiversity management in J&K, ensuring harmony with nature and sustainable development.
The Minister stated this while speaking as chief guest during an event organised by the J&K Biodiversity Council at Tagore Memorial Hall Srinagar. The event was held to mark celebration of International Day for Biological Diversity, 2025 under the theme “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development”, that featured exhibitions, documentary screening and felicitation of competition winners.
Commissioner Secretary, Forest, Ecology & Environment, Sheetal Nanda, also attended the event as the guest of honour.
Javed Rana emphasised the government’s commitment to conserve the rich biodiversity of the region through community-based conservation initiatives, scientific research and inter-departmental collaboration. He lauded the Council’s efforts in engaging youth and educational institutions to become future stewards of biodiversity.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HoFF) and Chairman, JKUTBC, Suresh Kumar Gupta, termed IDB 2025 an opportunity to reconnect with nature and renew commitments towards conservation. He stressed the importance of Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) and community-driven efforts in sustaining ecosystems, assuring continued institutional support at the grassroots level.
Chaturbhuja Behera, Member Secretary, JKUTBC, in his welcome address, underscored the need to integrate biodiversity concerns with planning and education. He highlighted the importance of local action aligned with global sustainability goals.
The event featured an exhibition of student paintings, posters and biodiversity documentation organized by JKFRI, J&K Forest Department and local eco-clubs. A forest publication highlighting J&K’s rich biodiversity was also released, along with the felicitation of winners from inter-school and inter-college competitions.
The celebration drew enthusiastic participation from the students, teachers, forest officials, researchers and NGOs, all united in their commitment to environmental awareness and action.
Conservator of Forests, Research Circle Jammu, Pradeep Wahule, expressed heartfelt thanks on behalf of the J&K Biodiversity Council, acknowledging the valuable contributions of the Department of Forest, JKFRI, SKUAST-K, University of Kashmir and various schools.
The J&K Biodiversity Council reaffirms its commitment towards promoting biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in the region, working towards a future where humans live in harmony with nature.