TFP Bureau, Raipur, August 29, 2025: The Chhattisgarh branch of the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) on Friday concluded a one-day workshop at the Circuit House in Raipur, focusing on the state’s rich biodiversity and the urgent need for its conservation.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. M.L. Nayak, eminent biodiversity expert, former Director General of the Institute of Science and Technology, and Member of the State Biodiversity Conservation Board, described biodiversity as an “invaluable boon for human life.” He said Chhattisgarh, with nearly 40 percent of its land under forest cover, remains one of the richest states in terms of biodiversity.
Dr. Nayak explained that biodiversity exists at gene, species and ecosystem levels, and India accounts for 7 percent of global biodiversity despite occupying only 2 percent of the Earth’s land area. Citing available data, he noted that Chhattisgarh is home to 3,000 flowering plants, 36 species of mammals, 383 species of birds, 73 reptiles and 173 species of butterflies. “Many species are on the verge of extinction, and immediate administrative efforts are essential for their preservation,” he cautioned.
Sharing his research experiences, Dr. Nayak revealed that during his work in Kanger Valley, he discovered a new species of Peepal tree near Kanger Dhara, later named Ficus nayakai in his honor. The finding, he said, highlights that several plant and tree species in Chhattisgarh remain undocumented.
IIPA Chhattisgarh President Dr. Suyogya Kumar Mishra congratulated Dr. Nayak, calling the discovery a matter of pride for the state. He also informed that the state-level IIPA branch, established under the Ministry of Personnel, Government of India, is actively conducting workshops and discussions for senior administrators and intellectuals on governance-related topics including election management, tribal development, artificial intelligence and leadership in digital administration.
The event was attended by IIPA Chhattisgarh Vice Presidents and former Additional Chief Secretaries Smt. Indira Mishra and Shri Ajay Singh, Secretary Anup Shrivastava and other members.
