more-in Mass sapling planting campaign, competition for school students, awareness programme and distribution of pamphlets marked the International Day for Biodiversity organised by the Salem Forest Division here in the city on Tuesday. The Day is celebrated to highlight the achievement of its objectives on biodiversity. District Collector Rohini R. Bhajibhakare, who was the chief guest at the celebrations held at the Kurumbapatti Zoological Park, underlined the importance of protecting the biological diversity. She said that India accounted for more than 50,000 plant varieties and 80,000 animals. Hence, it is well know around the globe as ‘mega biodiversity country’. She said that Tamil Nadu is one of the leading states in the country in protecting biodiversity. Of the 51 tiger reserves in the country, four are in Tamil Nadu. Of the 504 sanctuaries, the state accounts for 18 sanctuaries and of the 89 national parks, it possessed five. The Collector urged the people not to indulge in activities which harm the environment. Kayarat Mohandass, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Salem, A. Periasami, District Forest Officer, M. Mahendran, Divisional Forest Officer, Social Forestry, S. Vetrivel, MLA, and others spoke. A large number of school students participated in the painting competition organised in connection with the International Day for Biodiversity. The Collector gave away prizes to the winners of the competition. The forest department sanctioned ?. three lakh as revolving fund to 30 beneficiaries attached to the village forest committees under the Tamil Nadu Forest Development Programme and loan to the tune of ? 5.10 lakh to members of four women self-help groups.

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