College Jungle Blooms: From Dump to Biodiversity Hub

A once-neglected 488-square-metre dumping ground at Delhi University's Ramanujan College has been ecologically restored into a thriving mini-jungle named 'Tapas'. Initiated in 2023, this living laboratory showcases native tree and shrub species from the Aravalli range, carefully chosen to boost local biodiversity. The site features distinct areas for butterflies, medicinal plants, succulents, and dragonflies, alongside ponds and an enclosure for rescued animals.

Professor Rajendra Kumar Pandey, the college principal, champions 'green education' and financially backed the project as a valuable learning opportunity. Students played a crucial role in the transformation, beginning with soil improvement and waste clearing. Alumna Shrishti Sahu highlighted the valuable lessons learned in ecological restoration and resilience building.

The 'Tapas' project offers students practical, hands-on experience in environmental science. Charulatha, a student, detailed her experience observing a caterpillar's metamorphosis in a controlled environment within the lab. The initiative follows a non-Miyawaki approach, prioritizing indigenous plant species.

Assistant Professor Gaurav Barhodiya, the project's in-charge, noted that 'Tapas' is utilized for various practical assessments, including biodiversity analysis, insect sampling, and butterfly counts. The site has also attracted visits from zoology students at Sri Venkateswara and Ramjas Colleges, as well as media studies students from the College of Vocational Studies, demonstrating its broad educational appeal and diverse habitat offerings.