Former President A P J Abdul Kalam has urged the Government to partner with private companies to create and conserve biodiversity. Giving away Indira Gandhi Paryavaran Puraskar 2008, in New Delhi today he said that biodiversity can be core competency to achieve economic development and environment conservation. <br/> <br/>He also urged the Government to consider establishing a research and marketing centre in the 10 bio diversity zones of the country. The Indira Gandhi Paryavaran Puraskar 2008 has been given to ISHA Foundation of Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu. Young environmentalist award for 2008 was given to Ishita Vishnoi, a school student form Mumbai. Three awards in different categories were also given to individuals. <br/> <br/>The Chief Minister of Delhi Shiela Dikshit today flagged off battery operated vehicle’s rally. This is an important step towards reducing the level of green house gasses in the National capital. A large number of people were seen riding bicycles and battery operated vehicles to mark world environment day. The common wealth games federation also organised a tree planting ceremony at NDMC commonwealth garden .Various other programmes have also been planned to mark day. <br/>In Uttar Pradesh, several programmes are being organised throughout the state. The first state-owned Air and Water test Labotary was inaugurated by the UP State Environment Minster Naku Dubey in Lucknow today. The lab will conduct Air and water pollution test and samples will be collected from the state .The new lab will get assistance from the existing Pollution Control Board Labotary also. The new lab is managed by the State directorate of Environment. <br/> <br/>In Jammu and Kashmir, a green rally of students was organised in Leh to mark the occasion. Debates on the opening of the new areas in High Himalayas for Tourism, monitoring machanism for sustainability were also held. <br/> <br/><br/>