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. 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.
