Vallabh Government College Initiates Mobile-Based Biodiversity Documentation Project

Vallabh Government College in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, has launched a groundbreaking Campus Biodiversity Documentation Project utilizing mobile technology. This initiative, which involves undergraduate students in ecological observation and data validation through the iNaturalist platform, aims to systematically record the college's biological diversity. With over 547 verified observations of nearly 250 species already documented, the project highlights the importance of integrating academic learning with practical environmental stewardship. The college plans to maintain this initiative long-term, contributing to global biodiversity efforts and enhancing student engagement in ecological monitoring.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 30, 2025, 15:15 IST

Innovative Biodiversity Project at Vallabh Government College

Munish Sood
MANDI:
The Department of Environment Science at Vallabh Government College (VGC) in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, has embarked on an ambitious Campus Biodiversity Documentation Project aimed at systematically cataloging the biological diversity present on its campus through mobile technology.

The project utilizes iNaturalist, a well-known citizen-science platform, to engage undergraduate students in hands-on ecological observation, digital documentation, and scientific data validation. Students are trained to take geo-referenced photographs of various flora and fauna found on campus, which are subsequently uploaded to a global database, aiding international biodiversity monitoring and conservation efforts.

Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, Principal of Vallabh Government College, praised the initiative as a prime example of outcome-based education and environmental stewardship. He noted that the program effectively merges theoretical learning with practical scientific experience, while also raising awareness among students about the importance of biodiversity conservation and sustainable environmental practices.

The project has already made significant progress, with 547 verified observations of nearly 250 species documented, thanks to the involvement of 199 student contributors. The records encompass a diverse array of taxonomic groups, including plants, mammals, birds, insects, fungi, and reptiles, showcasing the ecological wealth of the college campus.

Dr. Manoj Thakur, project coordinator and Assistant Professor in the Department of Environment Science, emphasized the academic and scientific importance of this initiative. He explained that the project was designed to familiarize students with citizen science and modern biodiversity assessment techniques.

Through iNaturalist, students receive practical training in species identification, ecological surveying, and ethical data reporting, while learning how local observations can contribute to global conservation efforts. Dr. Thakur also highlighted the importance of accurately classifying cultivated and captive species to maintain data integrity and scientific reliability.

The quality of the students' documentation has garnered international attention, with several contributions featured in a global iNaturalist community video, highlighting the significance and credibility of their work.

The Department of Environment Science intends to sustain this initiative over the long term, aiming to create a comprehensive biodiversity inventory of the campus. This database is expected to facilitate future academic research, conservation planning, and institutional environmental initiatives, while enhancing student involvement in real-world ecological monitoring and sustainability efforts.