JAMMU, Oct 23: The Department of Botany, CGM Science College, Jammu, organized an educational botanical field trip to Devi Pindi, District Reasi, Jammu and Kashmir, with the objective of providing students with practical exposure to plant diversity, field-based botanical studies and the ecological significance of natural habitats.
The field trip was organized under the guidance of the Principal of the College, Prof. (Dr.) Romesh Kumar Gupta, and under the supervision of the Head of the Department of Botany, Dr. Bhekam Pal Singh.
The trip was formally flagged off by Dr. Vandana Khajuria, Head of the Department of English, who encouraged the students to make the best use of such educational opportunities to enhance their scientific knowledge and environmental awareness.
Approximately 120 students, accompanied by faculty members Dr. Rozi Bamba, Dr. Faraz Ahmed, Professor Vishal Sharma, and Professor Mehnaz Bano, participated enthusiastically in the field trip.
During the visit, students explored the natural vegetation of the Devi Pindi area and studied various aspects of local flora in their natural habitats. The field activities focused on the identification of plant species, observation of morphological characteristics and understanding the structural diversity of roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits and other diagnostic features useful in botanical identification.
The faculty members provided academic guidance throughout the field visit, explaining important botanical concepts and encouraging students to connect theoretical knowledge acquired in classrooms with practical field observations. Students were also motivated to maintain field notes, document plant characteristics, and appreciate the importance of accurate plant identification and systematic recording of botanical data.
Addressing the significance of such academic activities, the college emphasized that botanical field trips play a vital role in developing scientific curiosity, observational skills, team work and environmental responsibility among students. The initiative reflects the Department of Botany’s commitment to experiential learning and to providing students with meaningful opportunities for practical and research-oriented botanical education.