Biodiversity plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, supporting human health and ensuring sustainable development. However, growing challenges such as habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, deforestation and the excessive use of chemicals pose a serious threat to thousands of species across the world.
Surender Singh Yadav, professor of botany at Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU), highlighted these concerns while addressing students during a World Biodiversity Day awareness programme organised at Government Senior Secondary School in Marodhi village. The event was held in collaboration with the Society for Education and Environment Development.
Yadav said environmental challenges could be addressed effectively through increased awareness, afforestation, sustainable use of natural resources and active participation of the community in conservation efforts.
Yadav, who serves as the outreach programme coordinator for MDU and the director of its ‘Campus Forestry and Plantation Drive’, stressed that biodiversity was not merely an environmental concern but was directly linked to human life, health and security of future generations.
Highlighting India’s rich biodiversity, he said the country was home to diverse ecosystems ranging from the Himalayan mountains, Aravalli hills and the Thar Desert to the forested valleys of the northeast, the evergreen forests of the Western Ghats, wetlands, rivers, ponds and marine regions that supported thousands of species.
Additionally, he spoke on Haryana’s biodiversity, mentioning that the Aravalli region, Shivalik hills, Sultanpur National Park, Bhindawas Bird Sanctuary and village ponds and groves were important biodiversity centres. Native trees such as neem, peepal, jamun, banyan, jal and janti play a vital role in environmental conservation and rural life, he added.
Yadav warned that habitat destruction, invasive species, pollution, excessive pesticide use and climate change were becoming serious threats to biodiversity and the survival of many species. Referring to the event’s theme, “Acting Locally for Global Impact,” he urged students to plant trees, protect natural resources and spread awareness about biodiversity conservation.
Principal Gopal Krishan appreciated MDU’s initiative and said such programmes helped students develop awareness about environmental conservation. The event was conducted by Rajesh Kumar, and research scholars Pritam Hasanpuri and Vikas Yadav, sarpanch Anoop Singh and school teachers were present on the occasion.