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.
