World environment day is being observed today across the globe to raise awareness among people about the importance of clean environment in the human life. The theme for the Day is Green Economy: Does it include you? To mark the day and create widespread awareness on the unique biodiversity of the country, the Government today flagged-off the 'Science Express-Biodiversity Special' train in New Delhi. The train was jointly flagged-off by Minister for environment and Forest Jayanti Natrajan and Chief Minister of Delhi, Sheila Dikshit. Flagging off the train, Mrs. Natrajan stressed the need to take pro-active steps to ensure and nurture environment. She highlighted the importance of environment to the planet. The Environment Minister also asked the citizens to play a pivotal role to save the planet and nature.
Speaking on the ocassion, Delhi Chief Minister, Sheila Dikshit said to make capital more green, Delhi government has increased the green cover from 33 square to 300 square Kilometres. She said that her government has developed two biodiversity parks at Yamuna and Aravali hills to increase greenery. Mrs. Dikshit said besides, Delhi government is also taking several other measures and steps to make Delhi green and clean.
On the ocassion, Mrs. Natrajan and Mrs. Dikshit also gave away the Indira Gandhi Paryavaran Puraskar awards to two organisations to make measurable impact in the protection of environment.
Eminent enviromentalist Sunita Narayanan has said that we have to meet the challenges of environment. She said water is precious and its conservation should be given top priority.
Our Correspondent reports that 'Science Express-Biodiversity Special' train will halt at 100 stations during two years. Between today to 22nd of December, the train will travel almost 18 thousand Kilometre. It will halt for three to 4 days at each stations. Of the 16 coaches of the express train, eight are solely dedicated to immense biodiversity spread across the bio-geograpical zones. These 8 coaches highlighting the bio-diversity zones in the country will also focus on a range of Biological diversity and livelihood.
