Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 28: As a part of their environmental cum natural heritage awareness visit to Mahamaya Environmental Park, 400 students of Gandhi Memorial Science College Jammu under the able guidance of Prof Veerji and Prof Pinky Manhas today participated in 318th Tree Talk and woodland walk focusing on UN environmental initiatives, Tree values and forest utilization as practised by Dogra, Kashmiri and Ladakhi communities.
While focusing on tree antiquity, tree nomenclature and tree utilities, Tree Talk crusader, OP Sharma highlighted that Monkey Faced Tree Mallotus philippensis Kamilla (in Dogri called Rohini or Sindhuriya in Hindi) is a medecinal tree of Shivaliks. Its fruits yield a red fabric dye and are also a major food source for dwindling Kala Fakhta called Kalmoonha in Dogri.
Sharma highlighted that Shivalik tree flora has lesser known medicinal cum nutritive plants like Kakkadsinghi, Chirindi, Sohanjana, Rehan, Baabiding, Kurmaru, Cheu, Kamilla, Koori, Lasooda, Medd-asak, Poona, etc, which have a potential to revolutionize rural economy.
Prof Veerji highlighted traditional edibility of Kashmiri plants like Soi, Wopalhaak, Ubaj, Jewer, Pambhaak, Wullun, Virin, Kulmaansh, Bibdi, Ringa, Handun and Bhatkram, and appealed innovators to add value to wild fruits and vegetables for better health benefits.
Prof Pinky Manhas talked about Bhaderwahi plants like Teoond Viburnum Grandifl-orum, Naglachh Acorus Calamus, Thangi Corylus Jacqu-emontii, Gudkath Desmodium Elegans.
Nadeem Qadri, noted environmental lawyer and Manjit Singh, a social activist while interacting with participants highlighted the need for better cleanliness, name plates on all trees.
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