The High Altitude Plant Physiology Research Centre

The High Altitude Plant Physiology Research Centre (HAPPRC) was established in July 1979 by the University of Garhwal under section 4 of the U.P. State University Act 1973. The Centre has an Alpine Research Station at Tungnath (3600 m a.s.l.) and analytical laboratory at Srinagar (550 m a.s.l.). Based on the quality of work done at the Centre and the progress made within a decade of its establishment the HAPPRC was conferred with autonomous status by the Executive Council of the University on 23.4.1990 following the recommendations of the Committee of experts constituted for the purpose. The autonomy has further been extended on five years basis by the Executive Council of the University after assessing the performance of the Centre.

Aims and Objectives

The Centre was established to cover development oriented research, training and teaching on survival, adaptation and productivity of mountain plants. Thus the major objectives of the Centre are:
- To undertake fundamental and applied studies on mountain plants.
- To undertake studies on conservation of endangered plant species.
- To set up demonstration units.
- Teaching and information diffusion.
- Framework of functioning

The activities of the Centre are organized under following groups:

Research
- Seed biology and physiology of reproduction in threatened/endangered species and wild edibles.
- Biomass production potential in mountain plant species.
- Physiology and biochemistry of adaptation in high altitude plants.

Training and Teaching
- Ph.D. programme in the proposed fields of research.
- Environmental Plant Biology course at M.Phil. level.
- Post Graduate Diploma in Biotechniques of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants.
- Certificate Course on Biotechniques of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants.
- Short term orientation course in nursery practices, plant form and functions, conservation
of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) and environmental management.

Developmental Activities
- To develop package of practices for the cultivation of endangered MAPs and mountain
tree species.
- Establishment of nursery and demonstration units.
- Demonstration unit on revegetation of wasteland in mountains.
- Publication and consultation in relevant fields.

INFRASTRUCTRAL FACILITIES

Lab information
The Centre has its Main Building and Laboratory at Srinagar Garhwal and Field Station at Tungnath. The main building at Srinagar has an analytical laboratory (800 sq.m), four glass houses and a net house. In addition, a Medicinal Plant Biotechnology Laboratory has also been set up at Srinagar hosing tissue culture labs, green houses and analytical laboratories.

The Alpine Research Station of the Centre in 10 acres land is situated at Tungnath (3600 m a.s.l.). This Station has residential facilities and Weather Monitoring System. At present the Garden at this station has about 50 rare species of alpine herbs and more will be added to this collection in coming years. In addition to this, a sub-station for medicinal plants has been established at Pothibasa (2200 m).

The High Altitude Plant Physiology Research Centre
H.N.B.Garhwal University
Srinagar – Dist.Pauri Garhwal
(Uttarakhand) India – 246174