The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation on Friday incorporated an exclusive administrative wing for urban biodiversity.
According to GHMC Commissioner MT Krishna Babu, certain initiatives were announced during the ‘Cities for Life Event’ conducted at CoP-11 to CBD to broaden the essential activities of GHMC in up keeping the environment. Therefore, after careful examination of mandate under “Indian Biological Diversity Act, 2002, it has been decided to form an exclusive administrative unit for urban biodiversity within the GHMC.
The GHMC has incorporated a full-fledged urban biodiversity wing by re-designating the position of Additional Commissioner-Parks as Additional Commissioner – Urban Biodiversity. However, there would be no change in the mandate, structure and administrative procedures in the existing functional units of Urban Forestry and Horticulture of parks wing and they would continue to work under the Additional Commissioner – Urban Biodiversity with the same names.
The Additional Commissioner – Urban Biodiversity will be the incharge of all biodiversity matters of GHMC, which includes assisting the GHMC Commissioner in delivering the statutory obligations of Indian Biological Diversity Act, 2002, and Rules, activities issued there under. He/she will implement the CBD urban biodiversity initiatives with respect to local governments and contribute for the environmental aspects of “City Development Plan.”
The Additional Commissioner – Urban Biodiversity has also been asked to submit an action plan for a year with clear goals and financial requirements on immediate basis. (INN)