1995-96 - Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany

I Foreword
I
The systematic study of vegetation of the past is known as Palaeobotany.
This science
is being intensely pursued in all its botanical and geological aspects because it has a
significant place in earth sciences. Palaeobotanical
researches have proved to be very effectivein
tracing the antiquity of early life, evolutionary patterns of floras, vegetation dynamics
and for high resolution biostratigraphy, exploration of fossil fuels, palaeoenvironments and
palaeoclimatic interpretations, agricultural practices of ancient cultures and other related
aspects.
Keeping in view the objectives of the research activities of the Institute and the recent
trends for collating data using different techniques, efforts were made for multidisciplinary
and collaborative approach in many programmes presented in this report. Consultancy services
were also provided to other organisations in areas of expertise available at the Institute.
The research activities of the Institute are organised under 11 Projects with several
Programmes under each Project. The target of each Programme Proposed for the year 1995­
96 has been achieved. Besides research, many other scientific activities, e.g., In-House Senunars,
Professional Training Courses and Lectures were also organised. In the present Annual
Report the general information about the Institute's activities during 1995-96 and the details
of scientific work carried out under each Programme and research publications
year and the on-going efforts for the next year are given under various headings.
The members of Scientific Programming Committee of the Institute-Dr
during the
R.S. Tiwari
(Former Director), Dr Hari K. Maheshwari, Dr P.K. Maithy, Dr R.K. Kar and Dr Suresh C.
Srivastava have helped in preparing this document. I am grateful to the members of Research
Advisory Council and Governing Body of the Institute for giving fruitful suggestions
advise while discussing the report for approval. Dr Suresh C. Srivastava, Dr Archana Tripathi
and Dr B.D. Singh, Sri B.K. Jain and Smt. V. NirmalaofCo-ordination
and
Unit, Dr J.S. Antal
of Publication Unit and Mr S.c. Bajpai, Registrar helped in various ways to bring out this
Report. The support provided by several colleagues in the scientific, technical and administrative
cadres is thankfully acknowledged.
fS