Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 6: With a view to focus on ecological role of flora and fauna in maintaining productivity of forests, croplands, climate regime and cycling of nutrients, Rakesh Kumar Gupta, Principal Secretary, Forests, Environment & Ecology, today flagged off first ever Paryavaran excursion for MSc Botany students and scholars in the Environmental Park, Raika, Jammu.
The Principal Secrerary participated in bird watching session and while applauding the concept of Ecological Excursion highlighted the ecological role of birds as pollinators, seed dispersers, seed germinating agents or as bio-control agents of crop pests and insects in the complex web of life called biodiversity in the biosphere.
OP Sharma Director Ecology, Environment & Remote Sensing, elaborated the concept of forest and riverine cum wetland ecology citing examples of interdependence of ecosystems and need to save fragility of Shivaliks in conservation of not only flora fauna but also of water bodies, climate regime, local religious, medicinal and ethnic folk traditions.
He mentioned how Turtle dove is linked to Monkey face tree Kamilla, Kusturi Mrig to Skimmia Laureola, barbets to fig trees and we need to take care of surrounding landscapes in the interest of ecological security.
On the occasion, a Natural Heritage Quiz was organized for scholars of Botany department. Harpreet Kaur stood first, Jameet Kaur, 2nd while Radhika Thakur and Rabia Amin, Ishali Bambroo and Tamandeep jointly shared 3rd prize in the heritage contest.
Consolation prizes were awarded to Bhavna, Lotus, Abhishek Dutta and Wasim Sajjad Malik.
SD Swatantra spoke about revival of eco-friendly products, Prof Bholanath highlighted conservation movement of Vishnois, Prof Yashpal emphasized need of nature learning in an outdoor setting and Dr Subhash Gupta talked about conservation of native fish fauna in village ponds and water bodies.
On the occasion Bael, Arjun and Lasuda plant saplings were planted by students, scholars and dignitaries. Parvez Shagoo and Guldev Raj shared inputs on Jammu birds and assisted participants on bird watching.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
