Solan: The Botanical Survey of India’s High Altitude Western Himalayan Regional Centre in Nauni, Solan, celebrated International Biological Diversity Day on Friday with a community-focused event in Ghadasr village, located in the Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh.
Organized under the global theme “Acting locally for Global Impact,” the initiative focused on grassroots action by encouraging local communities to take charge of biodiversity conservation. The main goal of the programme was to raise awareness at the village level and inspire residents to protect and conserve valuable local plant resources.
Dr. Kumar Ambrish, Head of Office at the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) in Solan, welcomed the attendees and spoke to the public about the critical need for conservation, while praising the villagers for their ongoing environmental efforts. Dr. KS Dogra coordinated the event.
Dr. Ravneet Singh, Officer-in-Charge of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) in Solan, attended as the chief guest. He addressed the gathering about regional animal resources and the ongoing threats to their survival.
To turn awareness into action, organizers distributed 70 economic plant saplings to the community, including various timber, fodder, and medicinal plants. Notably, a Betula utilis (Himalayan birch) sapling was planted near the local village temple. The event also honored the community’s heritage by presenting tokens of appreciation to an elderly man and woman from the village.
More than 60 villagers participated in the day’s activities. Expressing gratitude on behalf of the community, local resident Sh. Jia Laal Thakur thanked the BSI for bringing the educational programme to their village and encouraging them to protect their natural surroundings.
The BSI team in Solan credited Dr. Kanad Das, Director of the Botanical Survey of India, for his motivation and support in organizing these village-level initiatives, which aim to educate the public on the vital importance of conserving plant resources.
