Bandipora, June 13: The Department of Environment Sciences and Eco Club of Hassan Khoyihami Memorial Government Degree College Patushay Bandipora on Tuesday organised a nature walk to Chitternar Forest Range for its students to provide them with an opportunity to connect with nature and learn about the importance of forests in ecological balance.
An official spokesperson said the walk was meant to foster a sense of appreciation and responsibility towards the environment among the participants. The event was conducted with the collaboration of Department of Forestry, District Bandipora.
On their arrival, the students and staff led by Prof. Mohammad Abbas Bhat, Head Environment Science and Convener Eco-Club were warmly received by the forest officials, Mohammad Omar and Mohammad Aamir – who are also the alumni of the College.
They led the group to the forest nursery where they informed the visitors over the process of sapling and preparing plants. The officials spoke at length about the variety of plants varying from ornamental to medicinal in the nursery.
The students were also taken to martyr's memorial established in memory of front line warriors who laid down their lives while defending the forests. The students were taken to the first forest college of India established by the Britishers in the year 1911.
The students were highly excited when the department showed them the forest documentary entitled "Jungle ke Rukhwallay". Emotions ran high when the documentary on Wullar, Asia's largest fresh water lake was released displaying the slow but steady death and efforts to save this famous RAMSAR Wetland.
The students also visited the College Museum, getting a glimpse into articles and artefacts obtained from forests. Some extraordinary collections from ancestors got the prime of their attention.
Betwixt the coniferous ciders, pines and Cypress, deep into the forest range, after considerable trekking, the students settled down for lunch, prayer and a group song.
The eventful day came to the conclusion by a speech by Naseer Ahmad Khan-Assistant Professor (English) on the theme “Man Nature Relationship”.
He stressed on the urgency to get back to Nature before it is too late. Prof. Yasmeena Ahad, Dr. Aasma Bano, Dr. Najeeb Ahmad and Mr. Hayat Ahmad accompanied the group
