Botany Department

The Botany department was established in 1951 as a government postgraduate college and since 1973 it is functioning as a University department. The department is one of the premier departments of the University which has been graced and headed by many internationally known scientists/ teachers including Prof. K. S. Bhargava, Prof. S. C. Gupta, Prof. B.S. Mehrotra, Prof. J.S. Singh, Prof. S.P. Singh, Prof. Sudhir Chandra, Prof. U. Palani, Prof. P.C. Pande, Prof. N. Pande and Prof. S. C. Sati. The department is also known for some persons like Prof. R.D. Khulbe, Prof. Y. P.S. Pangtey and Dr. Giribala Pant for their extraordinary work in their fields. Prof. K.S. Bhargava, Prof. J.S. Singh and Prof. S.P. Singh were awarded FNA for their outstanding contribution and other prestigious awards like Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar prize and Birbal Sahni medal, while working in the department. Prof. YPS Pangtey was awarded FNASc for his contribution. The department has also been included under FIST programme, DST, New Delhi and recognized as DRS (SAP) department, UGC New Delhi. The department actively collaborates with major institutions like NBRI Lucknow, GBPIHED, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora, RARI CCRAS Thapla Ranikhet, NBPGR Bhowali, BSI Dehradun, CMAP Lucknow, CAMP Dehradun, DIBER Haldwani and BSIP Lucknow. A large number of research projects and several collaborative research programs involving various national and international agencies have been completed and ongoing. Over 700 research papers have been published in international and National repute and more than 225 students have been awarded Doctoral degree in the past three decades. Specimens of Angiosperms, Pteridophytes, Bryophytes, Fungi and Lichens are preserved in the departmental herbarium. The Department housed a herbarium of Angiosperm (2500), Pteridophytes (300), Bryophytes (>200), Fungi (>100) and Lichens (nearly 100). Department conduct courses at undergraduate, postgraduate and Ph.D. level. At Post Graduate level the department offers specializations in Forest Ecology, Bryology, Plant Pathology, Ethnobotany and Taxonomy of Angiosperms for students. The department is regularly publishing an annual News Letter “OAKS” for more than ten years. Department is regularly organizing various scientific activities like seminars, workshops, conferences, debates, quizzes etc.