Hyderabad's biodiversity has shown significant improvement compared to a decade ago, with the city receiving a rating of 57 out of 92 in the City Biodiversity Index (CBI) for 2022. The results of the CBI for Hyderabad City were released on Tuesday by Telangana's Minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development, K.T. Rama Rao.
The CBI, also known as the Singapore Index, is a unique index designed exclusively for monitoring and assessing biodiversity in urban areas. It includes 23 different biodiversity indicators, such as current conservation initiatives, government support, and schemes aimed at improving biodiversity. A total of 92 marks are allocated for the 23 indicators, that make up the index.
KTR praised officials for developing the Hyderabad-specific Biodiversity Index, stating that biodiversity is a vital factor in making Hyderabad a world-class city. He acknowledged the success of the Haritha Haaram afforestation program, lake conservation, and efforts to increase forest cover and improve urban green spaces in improving biodiversity.
The minister highlighted the Telangana government's implementation of Haritha Haram, which aims to improve biodiversity in all municipalities, with a green budget allocated for several initiatives, including Pattana Prakruthi Vanalu and Nurseries. These efforts have increased the green cover throughout the state and improved biodiversity, he said.
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KTR stressed the importance of continuing these efforts and directed officials to develop a five-year action plan to enhance biodiversity. He urged them to organize World Environment Day on a large scale and increase public awareness about ways to improve biodiversity.
The minister announced that the Haritha Awards would be presented to the best-performing municipality and municipal officers and staff who contribute to increasing green cover, in recognition of their efforts. He emphasized the need for sustained efforts to improve biodiversity and maintain Hyderabad's status as a city with exceptional green cover and biodiversity initiatives.