CCRAS, Delhi University Sign MoU to Document Medicinal Plant Diversity on North Campus.
New Delhi:
The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), through its Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI), New Delhi, has joined hands with the University of Delhi to document and conserve the medicinal plant diversity of the university’s North Campus.
The two institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on November 10, 2026, to undertake a collaborative research project titled “Inventory of Phyto-diversity of Medicinal Importance Used in Ayurveda of North Campus of Delhi University.” The agreement aims to systematically identify, document and conserve medicinal plant species found across the university’s North Campus, which spans approximately 250-300 acres.
The MoU was formally signed by Prof. (Vd.) Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General of CCRAS, and Dr. Vikas Gupta, Registrar of the University of Delhi, at the Vice-Chancellor’s Office on the North Campus.
The initiative seeks to explore the rich botanical heritage of the university and identify plant species of medicinal importance that are recognised and described in Ayurveda. It will also contribute to scientific research, biodiversity conservation and greater awareness of traditional medicinal knowledge.
As part of the project, researchers will conduct comprehensive field surveys across the campus to identify and document medicinal plant species. Herbarium specimens will also be prepared to facilitate scientific identification and preserve important botanical records.
Another key feature of the initiative will be the installation of QR-code-enabled name boards at different locations across the campus. These boards will provide information about medicinal plants and allow students, researchers, faculty members and visitors to easily access details about their medicinal significance.
The collaborative project will also lead to the publication of an illustrated pictorial book documenting the medicinal flora of the North Campus. In addition, the participating institutions will jointly publish research papers to disseminate their scientific findings and contribute to the broader understanding of medicinal plant resources.
Several senior academic and research officials were present during the MoU signing ceremony. These included Prof. K. Ratnabali, Dean of Academic Affairs, University of Delhi; Prof. (Dr.) Shobha Bagai, Director of the Cluster Innovation Centre (CIC), Delhi; Dr. Hemanta Panigrahi, Director-in-Charge, CARI, New Delhi; Dr. Sakshi Sharma, Research Officer and Principal Investigator of the project from CARI; Prof. (Dr.) Suresh Kumar, Principal Investigator from the Cluster Innovation Centre, University of Delhi; and Prof. (Dr.) Vandana from the Department of Chemistry, Dyal Singh College, University of Delhi.
The collaboration marks an important step towards strengthening institutional cooperation in Ayurveda, biodiversity conservation, medicinal plant research and scientific documentation. It is expected to help preserve the university’s botanical heritage while promoting awareness about the medicinal properties of plants and encouraging their sustainable utilisation.
The project will also provide valuable opportunities for students and researchers to engage with medicinal plant diversity and understand the scientific and traditional significance of India’s rich natural resources.
