Bandipora: The Department of Environmental Science and Eco Club of the Hassan Khoyihami Memorial Government Degree College Bandipora organised a nature walk on Tuesday to Chitternar Forest Range for its students.
The college said the aim of the program was to provide the students with an opportunity to connect with nature and learn about the importance of forests in ecological balance.
It was meant to foster a sense of appreciation and responsibility towards the environment among the participants, it said, adding that the event was conducted with the collaboration of the Department of Forestry, District Bandipora.
On their arrival, the students and staff led by Prof Mohmad Abbas Bhat, Head Environment Science and Convener Eco Club were warmly received by the forest officials, Mr Omar and Mr Aamir (both alumni of the college).
They led the group to the forest nursery where they spelled beans 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 taken to Matyres grove established in memory of frontline warriors who run out of their lives while defending the forests. They were taken to the first forest college in India established by the British in the year 1911.
The students were highly excited when the department showed them the forest documentary entitled “Jungle Ke Rukhwallay”. The hall turned lachrymose when the documentary on Wular, Asia’s largest freshwater 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 artifacts 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 a conclusion with a speech by Mr Naseer Ahmad Khan (Assistant Professor, English) on the theme “Man-Nature Relationship”. In his emotionally charged speech, he called for 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.

GOWHAR MAQBOOL