City Biodiversity Index of Hyderabad, released by Minister KTR:

Results from the City Biodiversity Index 2022 show that Hyderabad has made great strides towards protecting its natural resources over the past decade. On Tuesday, K.T. Rama Rao, Minister of municipal administration and urban development (MA&UD), released the City Biodiversity Index of Hyderabad at the office of Hyderabad Growth Corridor Limited (HGCL) in Nanakramguda.

The index can be used to keep tabs on urban biodiversity and help plan for its future. The City Biodiversity Index, also known as the Singapore Index, is the first and only index developed for tracking and assessing urban biodiversity. City biodiversity indices were established in Hyderabad in 2012 (during the COP11 meeting) and in Kolkata in 2017. When the Biodiversity Index was re-created, Hyderabad claimed the title of the first city to do so.

The index is calculated using 23 different biodiversity indicators, such as the presence of biodiversity conservation initiatives, the level of government support for such initiatives, and specific plans to increase biodiversity. The 23 indicators add up to 92 possible points. The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) recently released an index, with Hyderabad scoring 57 out of a possible 92 points. In 2012, however, the city only scored a 36% on the same test. The Biodiversity Index for Hyderabad rose significantly as a result of the Telangana government's many green initiatives, such as Haritha Haram, urban parks, and the revitalization of water bodies and forests.

Hyderabad, once called the "city of lakes," now has 1,350 lakes and other bodies of water covering 2,000 acres. Important rock formations, spanning 1600 ha, can also be found there. The city's two national parks, KBR and Mahavir Harina Vanasthali, are important for local wildlife. In addition, numerous species can be found on the expansive grounds of the University of Hyderabad, Osmania University, and ICRISAT. The city's natural biodiversity has been protected, leading to higher scores in the most recent index.

There are 1305 plant species in total, 577 being native and 728 being introduced, as stated in the report. There are 58 mammal species, 315 bird species, 16 amphibian species, 41 reptile species, 60 fish species, and 60 butterfly species living in the city.

KTR praised city officials for creating the Hyderabad Biodiversity Index, arguing that such an index is essential for any metropolis aspiring to join the ranks of the world's best. The Minister stated that the increase in biodiversity was due to the efforts of Haritha Haaram, the preservation of lakes, the expansion of forest cover, and the enhancement of urban lung spaces. The Minister also noted that the surrounding areas' biodiversity would increase in a team with the city.

Haritha Haram, as announced by Minister KTR, is part of the Telangana government's plan to increase biodiversity throughout the state's municipalities. A green budget has been set aside for initiatives like Pattana Prakruthi Vanalu and Nurseries to increase the area covered by vegetation. Thanks to these concerted efforts, the state's overall green cover has expanded, which has enhanced the area's biodiversity.

KTR said that Telangana had been lauded for its successful efforts to increase green space and biodiversity. Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development (MA&UD) officials have been tasked with creating a five-year action plan to increase biodiversity after the Minister stressed the importance of maintaining these efforts. The Minister also suggested they have a major event for World Environment Day on June 5 to educate the public on protecting biodiversity better. KTR announced that the best-performing municipality and municipal officers and staff contributing to expanding green coverage would be honoured with the Haritha Awards.