The City Biodiversity Index is considered useful for monitoring, conserving and developing biodiversity in the city.
Officials releasing the Hyderabad City Biodiversity Index 2022. (Supplied)
Telangana IT and Urban Affairs Minister KT Rama Rao released the City Biodiversity Index — 2023 on Tuesday, 18 April.
The index revealed significant progress in Hyderabad’s biodiversity. Also called the Singapore Index, it is the only index designed specifically for monitoring and evaluating biodiversity in cities.
Officials said the index helps in monitoring, conserving and developing the city’s biodiversity.
In October 2022, Hyderabad won the overall World Green City Award — 2022 and Living Green for Economic Recovery and Inclusive Growth Award at the International Association of Horticulture Producers’ (AIPH) World Green City Awards 2022 held at Jeju, South Korea’s longest island.
KTR instructed Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MAUD) officials to draw up a five-year action plan to enhance biodiversity. He also directed the officials to organise World Environment Day (5 June) on a large scale to spread awareness among the public about ways to improve biodiversity.
Exciting news for #HappeningHyderabad!
MA&UD Minister @KTRBRS released the "City Biodiversity Index of Hyderabad"- a tool for monitoring, conserving & developing Hyderabad's diverse plant & animal species while promoting sustainability.
Let's build a better future! pic.twitter.com/Z7RJqdYWTC
— KTR, Former Minister (@MinisterKTR) April 18, 2023
Officials claimed that Hyderabad has become the first city to create the City Biodiversity Index for a second time — first in 2012 (COP11 meeting). Kolkata created it in 2017.
Prepared by the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), the city scored 57 out of 92 points in the latest index.
It is based on 23 biodiversity indicators such as conservation efforts and the government’s support in this direction. This marks a significant improvement from its score of 36 out of 92 marks in 2012.
Hyderabad witnessed a significant improvement in the Biodiversity Index due to the various green initiatives initiated by the Telangana government, officials said.
Minister KTR and officials during the meeting of the 2022 City Biodiversity Index. (Supplied)
Some of these are Haritha Haram (Telangana afforestation programme), urban parks, rejuvenation of waterbodies and forests, to name a few.
Hyderabad, once known as the City of Lakes, currently boasts of 1,350 waterbodies covering 2,000 hectares and has rock formations spread over 1,600 hectares.
The city’s KBR National Park and Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park contribute significantly to the conservation of biodiversity.
Additionally, the sprawling campuses of the University of Hyderabad, Osmania University and the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) are home to diverse species.
The protection of the city’s natural biodiversity led to the improved ranking in the latest index.
Hyderabad is home to 1,305 species of plants, 30 species of odonates (flying insects), 141 species of butterflies, 42 species of spiders, 60 species of fish, 16 amphibian species, 41 reptile species, 315 bird species, and 58 mammalian species.
Lauding officials for preparing the Hyderabad-specific Biodiversity Index, KTR said that biodiversity is a crucial aspect in the process of becoming a world-class city.
The minister noted that initiatives such as Haritha Haaram, the conservation of lakes, increasing forest cover, and improving urban lung spaces helped improve biodiversity. The minister added that along with the city, biodiversity in neighbouring localities, too, will improve.
KTR added that the implementation of Haritha Haram was aimed at enhancing biodiversity in all municipalities.
It should be noted that a green budget has been allocated for various programmes such as Pattana Prakruthi Vanalu and nurseries, intended to increase the green cover.
These extensive efforts increased the green cover across the state, leading to improved biodiversity.
KTR announced that the Haritha Awards would be presented to the best-performing municipality, and municipal officers and employees contributing to increasing green cover.
Hyderabad and other towns have won accolades for their impressive green cover and biodiversity initiatives.
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