Strict laws needed for biodiversity: Director Wadia Institute

NT Bengaluru: India must implement stricter laws to safeguard its biodiversity and geodiversity, said Mahesh G Thakkar, Director of Himalayan Geology at Wadia Institute. Speaking at the International Geodiversity Day 2024 event organised by the Geological Society of India and the Ministry of Geology in Bengaluru, Thakkar highlighted that India's unique geographical landscape is under threat. He expressed concern that despite its rich geodiversity, India has yet to receive UNESCO Global Geopark status.

Thakkar warned that if India fails to conserve its geographic diversity, it could lead to catastrophic consequences in the future. "India’s geography holds valuable clues to understanding past and future climate changes," he said, pointing to the vast diversity found in the Rashtra mountain range, the Deccan Plateau, the Western Ghats, and various cave systems from east to west and north to south. India, although rich in natural diversity, has yet to succeed in its efforts to establish a UNESCO-recognised geopark. Despite multiple attempts since 2015, these efforts have not borne fruit. In contrast, 40 to 45 countries, many of them less diverse, have been successful in achieving Global Geopark status since 1991.

Thakkar lamented the lack of effective management and protection of India's biodiversity, stating that even poorer countries handle their biodiversity better. He also highlighted the issue of ineffective enforcement of environmental regulations, such as the rules intended to protect riverbanks. "Regulations are often ignored, and thisnegligence could lead to severe consequences for the environment," he said.