Excelsior Correspondent
Jammu, Sept 2: Central University of Jammu organized a lecture followed by power point presentation on the Biodiversity Mapping and documentation of the Campus area Rai Suchani which is spread over an area of 600 acres in Shiwalik hills.
The presentation was made by the noted Environmentalist of the state Dr. C.M. Seth Chairperson WWF-India and Environment advisor to the Central University. The field work was supported by Mamta Sharma field biologist. The biodiversity survey report revealed the rich biodiversity of campus both in the form of species richness and species diversity in the Shiwalik belt. Biodiversity was assessed in five valleys of the campus by laying out 13 survey Grids both for plant and animal species. More than 200 species have been documented. Diversity of birds was reported to be highest followed by diversity of Butterfly and insects. 63 species of birds have been identified. The work also revealed that more than 85% of herbs, trees, shrubs and climber are of medicinal importance, the study area also proves to be a great source of honey production. Rare and endemic species also have been reported from the study area. The report has come up with a clear recommendation of setting up Biodiversity Park on the eastern side of the University spread over an area of 25 acres which will include indigenous species, bamboo setum, pianatum, butterfly park and nature interpretation center.
Prof. Ashok Aima Vice-Chancellor of the University, appreciated the hard work put up by Dr. Seth and his team for completing the project on time. He also highlighted that this work will be of great benefit to the students and research scholars as a baseline data for taking forward future works on biodiversity, climate change and global warming. Prof H.S. Sehgal Head, Department of Environmental Sciences, Dr. G.K. Sehgal, Dr. Pankaj Mehta, Dr. Anita Singh, Dr. Dinesh Kumar, H.K. Prasher OSD(Finance) and M.Sc students of the Department of Environmental Sciences were also present.
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