The College of Forestry has the unique distinction of being the first institution of its kind 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. Two decisive events that led to its formation were; the affiliation of HPAC&RI to the then newly created Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla and the creation of Department of Forestry in HPAC&RI in 1971. A few forestry courses were integrated in B.Sc. Agriculture degree course later in 1973. Subsequently, M.Sc. and Ph.D. programmes in Forestry were started in the Department of Forestry, College of Agriculture, Solan; a campus of the then CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur in 1976 and 1983, respectively. The present College of Forestry was established in 1987 by upgrading the Department of Forestry. The College of Forestry has seven departments namely Tree Improvement & Genetic Resources, Silviculture & Agroforestry, Forest Products, Soil Science & Water Management, Environmental Science, Social Sciences and Basic Sciences. Three departments of College of Horticulture namely Biotechnology; Mycology and Plant Pathology; and Entomology and Apiculture assist this College in teaching and research programmes. M.Sc. and Ph.D. programmes in Agroforestry were started during 1992-93 and 1995-96 respectively.
Training of manpower for sustainable development of forestry and natural resources for conservation and optimum utilization of Himalayan Plant Diversity and Integration of forestry with farming systems.
Since its inception in 1987, the College of Forestry, a pioneer institute of Forestry in the country, has been rendering exemplary services in the domain of Forestry education. It is located at Nauni (Solan); a hilly hamlet surrounded by lofty mountains renowned for its salubrious climate and panoramic landscape.
Owing to the threat of imminent environmental crisis, there has been a considerable change in the outlook of Forestry education in the last few decades with increased focus on scientific management and technology driven tackling of environmental issues. Consequently, our aim is to develop skilled human resource equipped with the right mix of knowledge, experience, and commitment to tackle formidable forestry challenges efficiently. To ensure this, the College curriculum lays equal stress on theoretical and practical aspects of Forestry and allied sciences. Students are given ample practical exposure through Experiential Learning Programme, Rural Work Experience, and Forest and Industrial attachments. Activities related to arts, adventure and spirituality along with expert lectures and trainings in areas such as Disaster Management, Personality development and Communication skills are duly imbibed in the curricula to ensure holistic growth.
I encourage all aspiring Foresters to become a part of this premier institute not only to realize your inherent potential but also to serve the nation in the most befitting manner by safeguarding, managing, and caring for our most precious and prized possessions – the forests.
Best wishes
(Dean)
The College of Forestry is headed by the Dean, who provides leadership for overall functioning of the college. Besides implementing the educational programmes in the college, the Dean also coordinates with the Director of Research, Director of Extension Education and other Statutory Officers of the University in conducting the undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, student research and other activities related to students in the best interest of the University.
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