ON the World Environment Day on Thursday, green activists in Nilgiris demanded the conservation of Nilgiri Hills to save it from destruction. Nilgiris is the first biosphere reserve in the country and is the district where the forest coverage is around 55 percent. Nilgiris is the abode for varieties of rare flora and fauna and the source of pure water and air. There are stringent laws to conserve the environment, yet assault on it in various forms continues. Of late, it is facing threat from eco-criminals engaged in quarrying, mining, tree-felling and violating building rules. Will it not affect the serenity, purity and beauty of this place?