University of Jammu organises its maiden educational-cum-field study tour to Ladakh

JAMMU: In a significant academic initiative aimed at strengthening experiential learning and field-based environmental education, the Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Jammu, successfully organised its maiden nine-day educational-cum-field study tour to Ladakh, marking the department's first academic expedition to the Trans-Himalayan region. The expedition comprised 32 students and research scholars, accompanied by faculty members of the department, and covered the Jammu–Srinagar–Leh route.

The academic expedition was conceptualised to provide students with first-hand exposure to the remarkable environmental, geographical and ecological transitions across five distinct physiographic zones of the Himalayan region, namely the Shiwaliks, Lesser Himalayas, Kashmir Valley, Greater Himalayas and Trans-Himalayas. Traversing these diverse geographical landscapes offered participants a unique opportunity to examine variations in landforms, vegetation composition, altitudinal gradients and associated patterns of aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity. The journey effectively brought together an extraordinary range of Himalayan ecosystems within a single integrated academic field programme.

While most of the participating students were familiar with the geographical and ecological characteristics of the Kashmir Valley, crossing the challenging high-altitude Zoji La Pass presented an entirely new and enriching learning experience. During the ascent, students closely observed the progressive transformation of vegetation communities with increasing altitude, culminating in distinctive patches of Betula near the pass. Beyond Zoji La, the landscape gradually unfolded into the vast, rugged and ecologically distinctive terrain of the Trans-Himalayas.

The team travelled through Drass, recognised as one of the coldest inhabited places on Earth, before proceeding to Kargil. During their stay, the participants visited the Kargil War Memorial and paid heartfelt tribute to the brave soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation, honouring their courage, dedication and unparalleled commitment to safeguarding the country's sovereignty.

The onward journey from Kargil to Leh provided spectacular views of the expansive valleys of Khangral and Budhkhurbu, deep mountain gorges and the prominent high-altitude passes of Namika La and Fotu La. En route, Dr. Suresh Kumar introduced the students to the GLORIA (Global Observation Research Initiative in Alpine Environments) protocol, explaining its significance in monitoring ecological responses to environmental and climatic changes in alpine ecosystems. He also elaborated on the remarkable ecological adaptations that enable plant species to survive and flourish under the extreme climatic conditions prevailing in high-altitude cold deserts.

Another significant component of the expedition was the visit to Sangam, the spectacular confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers. On the occasion, Prof. Deepika Slathia, Head of the Department of Environmental Sciences, familiarised the students with the physicochemical characteristics and biological attributes of these high-altitude river systems. She also highlighted the ecological processes and environmental factors governing the distinctive aquatic ecosystems of the region. During the return journey, the team additionally visited Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, a revered spiritual landmark of Ladakh.

The excursion to Nubra Valley provided participants with an opportunity to explore its distinctive cold-desert ecosystem, characterised by expansive sand dunes and the iconic double-humped Bactrian camels. Dr. Neeraj Sharma, Teacher In-charge of the tour, briefed the students on the geographical, historical and strategic significance of the valley. He particularly highlighted its proximity to the Siachen Glacier and elaborated on its importance within the broader geopolitical and strategic framework of the region.

A major highlight of the field expedition was the visit to Tso Kar Lake, one of Ladakh's characteristic high-altitude brackish lake ecosystems and an important natural habitat of the Black-necked Crane, the designated Union Territory bird of Ladakh. The students were fortunate to observe four pairs of these magnificent birds at three different locations around the lake. Adding an extraordinary dimension to the wildlife experience, a Tibetan fox was observed chasing a pair of Black-necked Cranes, providing the participants with a rare opportunity to witness predator–prey interactions in the ecologically fragile Trans-Himalayan landscape.

The expedition also provided remarkable opportunities for wildlife observation and documentation. The team spotted and photographed a small herd of Blue Sheep (Bharal) in the vicinity of Tanglang La Pass. Subsequently, a large herd of Tibetan Wild Ass (Kiang) was observed roaming freely across the expansive plains of Tso Kar. These significant wildlife encounters offered students valuable first-hand insights into the distinctive faunal diversity, habitat characteristics and ecological dynamics of the high-altitude Trans-Himalayan ecosystem.

In addition to its ecological and scientific components, the expedition incorporated an important cultural and historical dimension. Accompanied by Prof. Piyush Malaviya and Dr. Anshu Gupta, the students explored Ladakh's rich cultural and historical heritage through visits to local monasteries, museums, Shanti Stupa and Sindhu Ghat. These visits enabled participants to gain a broader understanding of the region's historical legacy, cultural traditions, spiritual heritage and unique socio-cultural landscape.

Another notable highlight was the organisation of a photography exhibition showcasing the remarkable biodiversity of Ladakh in conjunction with the Wildlife Week celebrations at the main market. The exhibition provided students with an opportunity to appreciate, document and showcase the region's extraordinary natural heritage, while highlighting the ecological richness and distinctive biodiversity of the Trans-Himalayan ecosystem.

The nine-day educational-cum-field study tour proved to be an enriching and immersive academic experience, bridging the gap between theoretical classroom instruction and practical field-based learning. Through direct observations of diverse ecosystems, geographical formations, vegetation patterns, wildlife habitats, aquatic environments and cultural landscapes, students and research scholars gained valuable exposure to the complex ecological processes and environmental dynamics of the Trans-Himalayan region.

The expedition not only strengthened their understanding of environmental and biological sciences through experiential learning but also broadened their appreciation of Ladakh's ecological fragility, biodiversity, cultural heritage and strategic significance. Overall, the maiden field study tour represented a meaningful academic endeavour by the Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Jammu, towards promoting field-oriented research, environmental awareness and a deeper scientific understanding of the Himalayan and Trans-Himalayan ecosystems.