Aravalli attracts students, teachers to explore biodiversity

The Aravalli mountain range that often makes headlines due to illegal mining activities in Southern Haryana also stands as a treasure of diverse flora and fauna. The rich biodiversity attracts botanical experts and environmentalists, particularly to Mahendragarh, Rewari and Gurugram districts, to identify rare plant species. It has also become a sought-after location for students and educators from across the state, to gain hands-on experience with nature's wonders.

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A recent field trip organised by the Environment Sustainability Management Cell of Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU), Rohtak, took a team of students and faculty members to the Kund-Manethi area in Rewari, located amid the Aravalli mountain range. The educational trip was led by noted botanist Prof Vinita Hooda, who was joined by wildlife expert and environmentalist Rakesh Ahlawat.

During the trip, students explored the region's diverse plant species, identifying trees such as Salar, Gurjan, Duddhi, Senegal, and Dhauk. Other species included Kakeda, Hingot, Roheda, Chamrod, Safed Baansa, and Israeli Babool, among many others. The students also had the opportunity to observe various birds and insects, including peacocks, quails, mainas, bulbuls and butterflies, using binoculars for a closer look. Ahlawat apprised them of the diverse species of trees and plants in the Aravalli region, highlighting their unique characteristics.

Prof Vinita Hooda emphasised the importance of biodiversity conservation, highlighting that the field trip aimed at familiarising the MDU students with Haryana’s unique ecological system and its cultural context. She noted that the hands-on experience would deepen students' understanding of the vital roles these species play within their ecosystem.

“The objective of this field trip was to foster awareness and appreciation of our local biodiversity. We hope this experience will inspire students to actively contribute to its preservation," she added.

Prof Harish Kumar, head of the department of journalism and mass communication at the MDU, was also a part of the trip. He underscored the significance of conserving the Aravali mountain range's biodiversity and encouraged the students to protect wildlife, native tree species and to promote local tree planting initiatives.

“This field trip marks the MDU's first initiative in the Aravallis for its students. It’s an essential step toward deepening our students' connection with nature. The event saw the participation of students from the botany, zoology, journalism and mass communication, and microbiology departments. Rajesh Kumar, a faculty assistant in the botany department, played a pivotal role in coordinating the trip,” Prof Harish said.