JAMMU: The Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Jammu, successfully organized a two-day educational field trip for the students of M.Sc. 1st and 3rd Semesters. The tour aimed to provide experiential learning and practical exposure to the students in the domains of landscape ecology, environmental and cultural heritage, and conservation education.

The students embarked on their journey from the University of Jammu to Attari-Wagah Border, exploring the landscape ecology of the Punjab Plains enroute, with special emphasis on modern agricultural transformation and its ecological implications. The journey provided an excellent opportunity for students to observe and analyse the agrarian ecosystems of Punjab, including insights into prevailing cropping patterns, irrigation practices, and harvesting techniques.

Discussions during field observations focused on the ecological consequences of intensive agriculture, land-use changes, and the importance of sustainable farming approaches. In the evening, the students attended the Retreat Ceremony at the Attari-Wagah Border, an inspiring display of national pride and Indo-Pak border security coordination.

During the subsequent day, students visited the Golden Temple, Amritsar, where they experienced the religious and cultural heritage of Punjab and later explored the Golden Temple Museum to understand its historical and spiritual significance. The group then visited Jallianwala Bagh, revisiting the tragic yet inspiring chapter of India’s freedom struggle.

The day continued with a rigorous academic visit to the Botanical Garden of Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), Amritsar, where students studied the plant diversity and ecological layout of the vast garden. This was followed by an interactive session at the Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences, GNDU, where the students visited various research and instrumentation laboratories and engaged in academic discussions with professors and research scholars, gaining valuable insights into current research trends and environmental challenges.

The educational trip was conducted under the supervision of Prof. Deepika Slathia, Head of the Department, with Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Associate Professor, serving as the teacher-in-charge. The students were also accompanied and mentored throughout the trip by other faculty members of the department viz., Prof. Piyush Malaviya, Dr. Neeraj Sharma, Dr. Anshu Gupta, and Dr. Suresh Kumar.

The tour proved to be a highly enriching academic experience, combining environmental learning with cultural and historical exposure, thereby strengthening the students’ understanding of the interconnections between ecology, heritage, and sustainable development.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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