A book on biodiversity in Braille that would enable the visually challenged to access information was released on Wednesday by the state biodiversity board on the completion of its 20th year.

The book by the West Bengal Biodiversity Board describes the importance of biodiversity, including its types, and the laws related to conserving it.

“I congratulate the West Bengal Biodiversity Board for releasing a book that will make information available to the visually challenged. The fact that the book is in Braille would help many to know about the biodiversity existing in the world,” said Chandrima Bhattacharya, minister of state (independent charge) for the environment, after releasing the book.

“I have discussed with the principal secretary how the book can be reached out to the visually challenged in the state and elsewhere,” said Bhattacharya.

Rajesh Kumar, environment secretary, Himadri Debnath, chairman, West Bengal Biodiversity Board and several department officials were present during the launch of the book.

“We will soon reach out to all the state board chairmen in the country and other
senior officials of other states, and share the book. Once they share the requisition request we will send copies to them,” Kumar told Metro.

Himadri Sekhar Debnath, the chairman of the West Bengal Biodiversity Board, wrote in the preface to the book that it will help the visually challenged to understand and “contribute immensely in the conservation of biodiversity in times to come.”

“This book is set to address the gap area about lack of biodiversity awareness among the visually challenged...” he writes.