The College of Forestry has a long history of development and has unique distinction of being the first in forestry education under the University system in the country. It has its roots in the erstwhile “Himachal Pradesh Agricultural College and Research Institute” (HPAC&RI) which was established in July 1965. In the year 1971, two important events happened, simultaneously: i) the HPAC&RI was affiliated to the newly created (July, 1970) Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla, ii) Department of Forestry was created in HPAC&RI by shifting Silva Division from the HP State Forest Department. Further in the year 1973, some Forestry courses were integrated in B.Sc. Agriculture degree course. Subsequently, M.Sc & Ph.D in Forestry was started in Department of Forestry, College of Agriculture, Solan, a campus of the then CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur during the year 1976 and 1983, respectively. The present College of Forestry was established in this University during 1987 by upgrading the department of Forestry. The College of Forestry has now seven departments namely Tree Improvement & Genetic Resources, Silviculture & Agroforestry, Forest Products, Soil Science & Water Management, Environmental Science, Social Sciences, Basic Sciences with the mandate of imparting teaching to undergraduate and postgraduate students leading to B.Sc., M.Sc. & Ph.D degree. Three departments of College of Horticulture namely Biotechnology, Mycology & Plant Pathology & Entomology & Apiculture provide help in teaching and research programmes to this College in their areas of specialization. M.Sc and Ph.D programmes in Agroforestry were started during 1992-93 and 1995-96 respectively.
The mission of College of Forestry is training of manpower for sustainable development of Forestry and natural resources for the conservation of optimum utilization of Himalayan Plant Diversity alongwith integration of forestry with farming systems.
The human resources and technologies especially suited for the Hindukush Himalayan Region are generated through excellence in teaching and research.
Welcome to College of Forestry, Dr YSPUHF, Nauni, an avant-garde institute of Forestry in the country that has been rendering pioneering services in the domain of Forestry since its inception in 1987 aiming at the conservation and sustainable development of Forests and related natural resources in the Hindukush Himalayan Region along with the integration of forestry with farming systems. The University is located in Solan (HP), a peaceful hill station surrounded by lofty mountains renowned for its salubrious climate, bountiful nature and serene beauty.
Rapid urbanization, unsustainable developmental activities and over-exploitation of natural resources, especially deforestation, have proven detrimental to the health of our planet. Accordingly, there has been a considerable change in the outlook of Forestry education in the country in the last few decades with an increased focus on technologically efficient scientific management of natural resources and tackling of environmental issues which requires specialized human resource who comprehends scrupulously the discipline of Forestry and other allied fields. Realizing the need of the hour, the College of Forestry is committed more than ever to fulfilling this responsibility, being a leading institute in the field of Forestry. It has been our constant endeavor to make Forestry education strategically practical, dynamic, modern and meaningful to the students as well as society. Consequently, our aim is to develop highly skilled and professional human resource and empower our alumni to envision the difference they can make while advancing innovations and solving formidable forestry challenges efficiently with the right mix of knowledge, motivation, proficiency and commitment, thereby aiming at sustainable development without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
We are engaged in a rigorously structured education of theories and practice of Forestry and allied sciences at undergraduate and post graduate level. To emphasize practical learning, students are given ample exposure through a practically oriented education that includes Experience Learning Programme, Rural Work Experience, and Forest & Industrial attachments. Complemented by devoted and proficient faculty, state-of-the-art infrastructure and course curricula at par with that of elite institutes of Forestry across the world, the College is committed to equip its students in every possible manner to meet the ever-increasing demands of a competitive world. Activities related to arts, adventure, culture and spirituality are duly imbibed in the curricula to ensure holistic growth of our students. In order to give our students a competitive edge, activities such as expert lectures and training in areas such as Disaster Management, Personality development, Communication skills and mock test drills are conducted at frequent intervals.
With such vision and hopes, I encourage all aspiring Foresters to take this unique opportunity of being a part of this premier institute of Forestry that will enable you not only to realize your inherent potential but also to serve the society as well as the nation in the most befitting manner by safeguarding, managing, developing and caring for our most precious and prized possessions – the forests.
Best wishes
(Dean)
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