Zoology
Department of Hans Raj Mahila Maha Vidyalaya organized ‘One Day Seminar cum
Workshop on Limnological investigations with special reference to Plankton
Diversity’. This workshop was conducted to provide practical experience to the
students regarding the various methods used for monitoring of water quality and
identification of numerous freshwater planktons which act as water quality
indicator. The Resource Person of the workshop was Dr. Rajinder Jindal, Former
Chairperson of Environmental Sciences and Professor, Dept. of Zoology, Panjab
University, Chandigarh. The workshop started with the green welcome of the
guest with a planter presented by Dr. Seema Marwaha, Dean Academics and Head of
Zoology Department. Dr. Marwaha introduced the guest to the students and laid
emphasis on the importance of seminars and workshops other than curricular activities
which break the monotony of regular teaching, provide a platform for the
students to interact with the experts and develop the scientific aptitude and
interest towards variety of research areas. Dr. Jindal, a Limnologist with
expertise in water pollution and bio-monitoring, emphasised about the
importance of water quality parameters in determining the diversity of
phytoplankton in any aquatic ecosystem. He explained the various methods of
parameters to analyse water quality such as Biological Oxygen Demand, Dissolved
Oxygen (using DO meter), pH (using pH meter), water hardness, alkalinity etc.
Further, Dr. Jindal elaborated the methods of identification of various
planktons which acts as water quality indicators and gave Hands on Training on
the correct way of collecting planktons from Pond water, preparation of slide
and viewing under the microscope to identify them. Students of B.Sc. (Medical)
and B.Sc. BT enthusiastically participated in the workshop and gave encouraging
feedback to organize more workshops in future. Principal, Prof. Dr. (Mrs.) Ajay
Sareen inspired the students to take part in such workshops in order to gain
practical training and a deeper understanding of the subject. Dr. Sakshi Verma,
presented the vote of thanks and emphasised on the importance of enhancing
practical skills through workshop and Hands on Training. Mr. Ravi Kumar, from
Zoology Department assisted in organizing the workshop. Lab attendant Mr.
Sachin helped in setting of venue and arrangement of chemicals and other requirements
for the workshop.
