Minister for Forests, Ecology and Environment Choudhary Lal Singh today said that wetlands serve as a source of drinking water, reduce flooding and the vegetation of wetlands filters domestic and industrial waste and improves water quality.This was stated by the Minister while addressing a large gathering at a function organized by Directorate of Ecology, Environment and Remote Sensing here today.Chairman State Pollution Control Board B Siddhartha, Chief Wildlife Warden Manoj Panth, Director Ecology, Environment and Remote Sensing O P Sharma, Chief Conservator of Forests Farooq Gillani, Regional Director State Pollution Control Board Showkat Chowdhary, Regional Director Wildlife Warden Dr V S Sinthil Kumar, Conservator East Circle Kh Qamar-ud-Din besides other senior officers of Forests department were present on the occasion.Choudhary Lal Singh said that all of us should be responsible and play our due role in combating deforestation and degradation of wetlands for a better future.
He said the value of forests and wetlands cannot be undermined in today’s world amid climate uncertainty and global warming. He said these natural systems not only provide vital sinks for greenhouse gases but also present a unique ecosystem that supports a rich population of biodiversity and life.The Minister said that global warming and climate change has become a serious issue and we need to arrest its extreme effects on the globe. He said that young generations are our main stakeholders and their role can enhance the struggle to meet environmental challenges.Choudhary Lal Singh further said that wetlands are valuable as sources, sink and transformers of a multitude of biological, chemical and genetic material. In addition, wetlands have special attributes as cultural heritage of humanity and have deep connections with our beliefs and practices. They are indeed an important part of our natural wealth and “liquid assets”, he asserted.Later, the Minister also distributed momentous to SFRI Department who’s stall declared as 1st, Government Ayurvedic Collage as 2nd and Wildlife department as 3rd.