Jalandhar April 14 (Jaswinder Singh Azad)- Under the Environment Education Programme (EEP) initiated by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India, with the support of Punjab State Council for Science and Technology and Dean, CDC, GNDU, a two-day educational field study trip was organized by Hans Raj Mahila Maha Vidyalaya, Jalandhar. Students from M.Sc. (Botany), B.Sc. (Medical), and B.Sc. (Biotechnology) participated enthusiastically in the nature camp held at Macleodganj and Palampur. On the first day, students explored the Bodh Temple and Chamunda Devi Temple and undertook a nature trek to the Bhagsu Nath Waterfall.
During this biodiversity trail, they collected and studied various rare plant specimens, including Bryophytes, Pteridophytes, and Ferns. They successfully identified significant Himalayan flora such as Cedrus deodara, Pinus roxburghii, and Rhododendron arboreum. The students gained first-hand knowledge about plant diversity and ecological significance through direct interaction with nature. The second day was dedicated to scientific exposure in Palampur. Students visited the famous Tea Gardens and learned about the process of tea cultivation and processing at the Department of Tea Husbandry and Technology.
A visit to the Bamboo House further highlighted sustainable architectural practices
At CSIR–Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT), Palampur, they observed a vibrant display of tulip varieties and attended live demonstrations on Heeng (asafoetida) cultivation, plant tissue culture, aquaponics, hydroponics, and the Zebrafish research facility. A visit to the Bamboo House further highlighted sustainable architectural practices. This multi-disciplinary exposure deepened students’ understanding of scientific applications in real-world environmental settings. The tour also included culturally significant visits to Baijnath Temple, Banglamukhi Temple, and a local monastery, enriching students’ appreciation of India’s spiritual and historical heritage.
The trip was organized under the able guidance of Principal Prof. Dr. (Mrs.) Ajay Sareen, who emphasized that such experiential learning trips offer a blend of education, nature study, and lifelong memories. She congratulated the faculty and appreciated their efforts in organizing this fruitful nature camp. Dr. Anjana Bhatia, Head of the Department of Botany, expressed her gratitude to Principal Dr. Sareen for her consistent encouragement and support. She noted that such study tours provide an invaluable platform for students to connect classroom learning with real-life environmental and scientific exploration. The group was accompanied by Dr. Shaveta Chauhan, Ms. Harpreet Kaur and supporting staff member Mr. Pawan.