By Matters India Reporter
Patna: A comprehensive book dealing with all aspects of Bihar’s environment was released on Sept 19.
Environment expect Bihari Singh, former head of the department of Environment Studies in Anugrah Narayan College in Patna released the research-based book “Bihar ka Paryavaran: Dasha aur Disha” (Bihar’s environment- status and direction).
The book authored by Jesuit Father Jose Kalapura and Niraj Kumar was jointly published by Xavier Institute of Social Research and Janaki Prakashan, Patna.
The book release was held at Gandhi Sangrahalaya, Patna.
Releasing the book Bihari Singh said the book fulfills “a great need of a comprehensive book on environment in Bihar.” It covers all aspects of the environment in Bihar such as the state’s geographical condition, natural resources, soil, climate, river resources, water resources, lakes, forest resources, trees, flowers, fruits, vegetables, besides, all kinds of animals and medicinal plants.
Although many books on environment are available at all-India level, this was the first book that deals exclusively with Bihar’s own environment, Singh added.
He commended the Xavier Institute for taking the initiative to bring out a research based book and the authors for their contribution. The book will increase the awareness on Bihar’s environment, he added.
The book, he further said, would increase the awareness of the negative aspects of our environment, such as various types of pollution, water depletion, soil erosion.
Commenting on the assets of this book, guest of honor and director of Tarumitra, Jesuit Father Robert Athickal said, the work will greatly help spread environmental awareness among school and college students.
Tarumitra, the students’ environmental movement, has been engaged in this work for more than 25 years. Through its national wide network Tarumitra units, and hundreds of activities for students, we have been consistently increasing environmental awareness among the young people, said the environmental activist. This book, definitely will help in our work, he added.
To protect the environment is a duty of all human beings, because the survival of human beings depends on healthy environment. Unfortunately, wanton destruction of forests, pollution created by humans are destroying our environment. We should have a spirituality for care of the earth, he pointed out.
Author Niraj Kumar acknowledged the cooperation of various institutions, related Government departments, and persons who made sources available to write this book.
Earlier, welcoming the guests Xavier Institute Director Father Kalapura said that his center has been engaged in research on various aspects of Bihar. It has been our dream to fulfill a felt need of a book on environment, he added.