The Hindu 23.05.2013
14 biodiversity parks for city
The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) is
planning to convert 14 parks into biodiversity parks as part of its
contribution for maintaining biodiversity in the area.
The
civic body intends to put the native species of plants in these parks
and develop them without disturbing the natural landscape.
This
apart, solar lighting would be used to illuminate the premises, said
GHMC Commissioner M. T. Krishna Babu on Wednesday, at the International
Biodiversity Day celebrations at the Imliban Park.
Rs. 25 crore allocation
GHMC
enhanced the financial and human resource allocation to the sector with
Rs. 25 crore allotted for the biodiversity wing to take up many
initiatives.
The city’s biodiversity score improved from 39 points in October last during the COP-11 to about 59 points now, he said.
He
pointed out that Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy and Governor E. S.
L. Narasimhan have set a target of 65 points for the next COP-12
scheduled to be held in South Korea in 2014 and expressed confidence in
reaching it.
Mayor Mohd. Majid Hussain said the GHMC
was striving hard to create awareness about biodiversity and was also
coordinating with school managements for active participation of the
students towards ensuring sustainable environment. Students were also
permitted free into parks.
A pamphlet ‘Biodiversity and Our City’ and a book ‘Check list of Species’ was released on the occasion.
Pledge
Later
the Mayor administered a pledge to the children. A painting competition
was organised for children at the venue and winners were given prizes
by the dignitaries.
Additional Commissioner (Urban
Biodiversity) N. Chandra Mohan Reddy, Zonal Commissioner (South) N. Ravi
Kiran and other officials were present on the occasion.
GHMC to put native species of plants in these parks and develop them without disturbing the natural landscape.