Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala’s commitment to environmental conservation took centre stage as Health, Food Security, and Devaswom Minister K. Muraleedharan inaugurated a state-level workshop organized by the Kerala State Biodiversity Board (KSBB) on International Biodiversity Day at the Institute of Management in Government (IMG) here.
The workshop, held under the theme “Local Actions – Global Impact”, brought together experts, officials, and stakeholders to discuss practical strategies for protecting biodiversity while pursuing sustainable development.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Muraleedharan stressed that development activities should minimize their impact on nature. “When implementing development projects, society must work together to reduce harm to the environment and find practical solutions,” he said. He emphasized that maintaining ecological balance requires concrete, on-ground actions rather than mere rhetoric.
The Minister highlighted the need for compensatory afforestation in large infrastructure projects. “When trees are cut for national highways and other development works, we must ensure more shade-giving trees are planted in their place,” he added.
On wildlife conservation, Muraleedharan advocated for a paradigm shift. He called for moving away from confining animals in small cages and instead creating expansive, nature-friendly spaces like the Puthur Zoological Park, where animals can move freely in near-natural habitats.
Waste management emerged as a key concern during his speech. The Minister pointed out that waste disposal remains one of Kerala’s biggest challenges. He urged local self-government institutions and the public to share equal responsibility in keeping water bodies clean. “The tendency to dump waste again in areas that have been cleaned must stop immediately,” he warned.
Muraleedharan also linked environmental degradation to public health. He noted that the rising incidence of lifestyle diseases in the state is closely connected to the pollution of rivers and ponds. On food security, he expressed serious concern over the heavy use of chemicals and pesticides in vegetables and milk brought from other states, which he said is causing grave health issues. “We must significantly increase local agricultural production to ensure safe and healthy food for our people,” he asserted.
The Minister called upon people’s representatives and local bodies to rise above political differences and work together for lasting solutions. He assured full government support for the practical recommendations put forward by the State Biodiversity Board to harmonize development with nature conservation.
KSBB Chairman Dr. N. Anilkumar presided over the function. District Panchayat President V. Priyadarshini, Member Secretary Dr. V. Balakrishnan, Board Member Dr. Minimol J.S., and Principal Scientific Officer Dr. Vimal Kumar C.S. were among those who attended the event.
The workshop is expected to generate actionable recommendations that will strengthen Kerala’s biodiversity conservation efforts in the coming years.