Kalam calls for setting up biodiversity zones in the country

New Delhi, June 5 (ANI): Drawing attention of government authorities to promote biodiversity in the country, former President Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam here on Saturday said the government should establish biodiversity zones.

On the occasion of World Environment Day, Dr. Kalam spoke here on eco-friendly sustainable environment and how biodiversity could be preserved, enhanced and made the strength of the nation.

"The biodiversity of the nation can be a core competency which can be the basis of achieving a triangular growth mission of ecological conservation, societal empowerment, and economic development," said Dr. Kalam.

Kalam, on this occasion, also proposed to use the campuses of Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Atomic Energy Commission, as bio-parks.

Union Minister of State for Information Technology and Communication Sachin Pilot on this occasion issued a postage stamp promoting national heritage and events.

Dr. Kalam also released three publications by the Ministry of Environment and gave away environment awards.

Sadhguru J Vasudev of Isha Foundation, a non-profit organisation in Coimbatore, was felicitated with Indira Gandhi Pariyavaran Puraskar (Environment Award) for his outstanding work in the field of environmental conservation and awareness.

"Our existence here is not exclusive...our existence here is very very inclusive. In every breath, in every inhalation and exhalation, we have a deep relationship with the trees around us. If this is felt by every human being, I don't think they have to be told to take care of it...they will any way take care of it," said Sadhguru J Vasudev of Isha Foundation.

Emphasising the mission "billion trees for billion people"(a mission to plant billion trees by 2020), Kalam urged for action to make it a reality.(ANI)