UIET students embark on educational tour to Jasrota Fort and Wildlife Sanctuary to promote heritage and environmental conservation

KATHUA: The Heritage and Tourism Club in collaboration with Nature and Wildlife Club of UIET organised an Educational tour to Jasrota Fort and Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary in order to sensitise the students about the emerging issues in heritage preservation and wildlife conservation. A group of enthusiastic students, accompanied by faculty members, explored the Jasrota Fort, a historical landmark known for its strategic importance in the Himalayas. During the visit, students were given a detailed historical account of the fort, tracing its origins, architectural elements, and its role in the region's political landscape. The fort, once a stronghold of the Jasrotia Rajputs, stands as a testament to the architectural grandeur of medieval times.

While walking along the fort premises, students observed the remnants of historical structures, including temples that remain standing despite years of neglect. The faculty members highlighted concerns regarding the vandalism of the fort’s structures, including defacement of miniature artwork and unsympathetic use of the premises. The discussions were held on the importance of preserving such heritage sites for future generations, with students actively engaging in conversations about responsible tourism and conservation efforts.

While going towards the main fort there were two temples standing erect but have been subjected to unsympathetic use by defacing the miniature and wall paints by whitewashing them. On the walls of temples, partially visible miniatures can be clearly identified as the episodes of Ramayana and Mahabharata. The images of Shiva and Parvati were also visible in these miniatures. The wall paintings are the outcomes of the Basohli and Kangra school of art.

The tour also included an insightful walk through Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary, a rich ecosystem home to diverse flora and fauna. Students experienced firsthand the ecological diversity of the region, learning about the unique wildlife species that inhabit the sanctuary. They were introduced to the significance of forest conservation, human-wildlife coexistence, and environmental sustainability. Further the Students also interacted with the local community to get sensitised about history, culture and the issues faced by the people in terms of restoration of the fort

Prof. Arvind Jasrotia, Rector, Kathua Campus (JU) stressed that the educational tour to Jasrota Fort and Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary is a commendable initiative that aligns with the vision of providing students with holistic learning experiences. He said that Heritage and environmental conservation are crucial aspects of cultural and ecological identity, and such visits help instill a sense of responsibility among students towards preserving these treasures. He also emphasized that by exploring the architectural grandeur of Jasrota Fort and understanding the biodiversity of the wildlife sanctuary, students gain practical insights beyond textbooks. He encouraged more such initiatives that allow students to connect with history and nature firsthand, fostering a sense of appreciation and duty towards our rich heritage and environment

Dr. Rockey Gupta, I/c Principal, UIET said that it is imperative for students to develop a deep understanding of their surroundings, and this educational tour to Jasrota Fort and Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary has provided them with a unique opportunity to witness history and nature come together. He appreciated the efforts of the club members in making this visit meaningful by actively engaging in discussions about heritage preservation and ecological balance. The students were accompanied by the Club coordinators: Dr.Mahesh Koul, Dr.Nisha Choudhary and Er.Ritika Gupta during the educational visit.