Indore (Madhya Pradesh): In a bid to raise awareness about environmental and wildlife conservation, the Seed Technology Department of Government Holkar Science College, in collaboration with the Wild Warriors organization, conducted the 3rd Butterfly Survey on the college’s 34-acre campus. '

Thirty students, selected from nearly 300 registrants, participated in the survey, which lasted three hours and resulted in the identification of 40 different butterfly species. Participants, divided into four teams, scoured the campus and spotted species such as the Psyche, Common Jezebel, Common Rose, Tailed Jay, Blue Tiger, Peacock Pansy, and Grey Pansy. The students were guided by leaders from Wild Warriors, including Ritesh Khabiya, Swapnil Phanse, Anjali Bhaskar, and Kunal Verma.

Principal Dr Suresh Silawat praised the enthusiasm of the students, stating, “The future of environmental and wildlife protection lies with young people like you. Your passion for this cause assures me that you will take on this responsibility well." The event concluded with a ceremony where Sandeep Gautam, SDO of the Forest Department, addressed the students on the importance of wildlife.

He also presented certificates to the participants. Seed Technology Department head Dr Preeti Chaturvedi commended the students' active participation and encouraged them to continue contributing to environmental conservation efforts. Prof Dharmendra Jat, the coordinator of the event, explained the survey’s objectives at the outset, ensuring all participants understood the significance of the activity.

First-time participant Diksha Soni shared her experience, saying, "It was an eye-opening day for me. I learned so many fascinating things about butterflies, like their life cycle stages and how the eye-like patterns on their wings help them avoid predators." Faculty members Prof Ashok Jat, Prof Govind Jat, Prof Pooja Kshirsagar, and Kanhaiya Sanodia also joined the survey, reinforcing the college’s commitment to environmental education.