Sustainable Nitte

The university operates three STPs with a total capacity of 1450 KLD (800 KLD at JKSH Hospital campus, 400 KLD at KSHEMA campus, and 250 KLD at Paneer campus), Recycled water from these plants is used for gardening and toilet flushing. Rainwater from rooftops is collected via separate pipelines, storing it in raw water storage tanks, and treating it in wastewater treatment plants equipped with pressure sand filters and chlorination units for domestic use. The terrain of the university is contoured to facilitate natural water flow, with Stormwater collected at the lowest points on campus.

Nitte (Deemed to be University) has implemented a comprehensive Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Policy that views wastewater as a valuable resource. Of the approximately 7.3 lakh liters of water used daily across the campus, nearly 6 lakh liters are treated and reused for non-potable applications such as flushing, landscape irrigation, and vehicle cleaning. The university employs advanced, eco-friendly treatment technologies that are selected for their operational simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. This approach supports the goal of achieving zero liquid discharge, aligning with the institution’s broader environmental commitments.

Rainwater from rooftops is collected via separate pipelines, storing it in raw water storage tanks, and treating it in wastewater treatment plants equipped with pressure sand filters and chlorination units for domestic use. The terrain of the university is contoured to ease natural water flow, with Stormwater collected at the lowest points on campus.

Nitte (Deemed to be University) has adopted a comprehensive rainwater harvesting strategy as part of its broader commitment to sustainable water management. All three campuses are equipped with dedicated systems that collect rooftop rainwater through separate pipelines, directing it to raw water storage tanks. This water is then treated at an on-site Water Treatment Plant (WTP) and used for various domestic applications, ensuring optimal utilization of natural resources. The university has also constructed separate stormwater drainage systems to reduce flooding risks and enhance rainwater management. Beyond its campuses, Nitte (DU) extends this initiative by channelling rainwater from an off-campus, artificially created harvesting pond through a dedicated pipeline. This innovative approach not only augments the university’s water supply but also contributes to community-level rainwater conservation and storage.

As part of the 'Every Drop Counts' campaign, the Green Brigadiers across campus have taken the lead in spreading awareness about the value of water conservation. This initiative encourages mindful water usage among students and staff. Informative displays placed near drinking water points across various departments and streams at Nitte University serve as daily visual cues, reminding the campus community to use water thoughtfully and responsibly.

Nitte (Deemed to be University) ensures free and uninterrupted access to safe drinking water for all students, staff, and visitors across its campuses through UV-purified water dispensers. Regular water quality assessments are carried out through internal monitoring and certified external testing. Key infrastructure is equipped with dedicated storage systems and distinct pipelines for potable water, grey water, and stormwater, ensuring efficient and hygienic water management.

Event posters, session highlights, and webinars on water conservation were promoted through the official NitteDU social media handles, expanding reach to youth audiences.

Nitte Aqua Lens 2024, organized under the SDG 6 initiative of Nitte (Deemed to be University), was a university-wide photography competition aimed at raising awareness about water conservation practices on campus. Launched in November 2024, the event invited students and staff to submit original photographs under the theme “Capturing Water Conservation on Your Campus”, showcasing sustainable water use and conservation efforts within their institutions. The competition received enthusiastic participation, and winning entries were selected based on creativity, composition, and relevance. The winners were felicitated during the Republic Day celebrations on January 26, 2025.

Rainwater at Nitte (Deemed to be University) is systematically harvested and utilized to support rooftop greenery, reflecting the university’s eco-conscious approach to water conservation. This sustainable practice not only reduces dependence on external water sources but also enhances the aesthetic and environmental quality of campus spaces. By integrating rainwater harvesting into green terrace initiatives, the university demonstrates a strong commitment to low-impact, resource-efficient campus development.

Nitte (Deemed to be University) actively integrates the principles of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) into its academic programs to cultivate a strong understanding of water conservation and sanitation among students. Topics such as aquatic ecosystems, climate change impacts on water resources, water pollution and its consequences, and relevant environmental legislation are embedded within the curriculum across various disciplines. Complementing this academic approach, the university also promotes research aligned with SDG 6, resulting in the publication of 18 research articles in the year 2023 alone, highlighting its commitment to advancing knowledge and solutions in the domain of water sustainability.

✓ The Nitte Climate Action Program (NCAP 2024) was officially inaugurated on 7th November 2024 at Ambedkar Bhavan, Mangalore. The five-year program was in its second year in 2024 and had engaged 13,000 students from 103 schools across the Mangaluru North Zone.Awareness was created on reducing water usage and the importance of conscious water consumption at home, in schools, and in public places.





✓ A science model exhibition on the theme "Climate Change" was conducted for school children to showcase their innovative ideas and solutions on 18th December 2024 at NitteDU.





✓ On 19th December 2024, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Cell of NitteDU hosted a webinar on “Innovative Solutions for Water Conservation”. The event was attended by staff and students from various institutions of NitteDU. A recording of the webinar was made available to the general public.




Link to the video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azBvOhRNdeA

1. As a part of the Sustainable Development Goals initiative, NUCSER, Nitte DU, in collaboration with the Department of Horticulture, Mangaluru, organised a program on "Water Conservation and Irrigation Practices" at Akshaya Farm, Talapady, on 23rd November 2024. The event was attended by farmers from the region, postgraduate students and faculty members from NUCSER. Mr. K Praveen, Dr. Sajana S, Mr. Mahesh N, and officials from the Horticulture department were the resource persons. The session focused on the water scarcity issues faced by local farmers, particularly due to the depletion of groundwater and the failure of wells. The session concluded by answering a few doubts raised by the participants.





2. A “model and poster making” competition was organised on 30th November 2024 at Sri Ramakrishna Aided High School, Harekala. The students presented models and posters on the theme “water conservation”. A total of ten teams presented their models and posters respectively. The models and posters were judged and the winners were awarded cash prizes.

Nitte (Deemed to be University) integrates robust water conservation practices into the design and construction of its infrastructure, in strict accordance with the National Building Code of India (NBC 2016) and the standards outlined in IS 1172 and IS 2064. Additionally, the university ensures alignment with the Environmental Guidelines for Buildings issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change, Government of India, thereby reinforcing its commitment to sustainable and environmentally responsible campus development.

1. Innovative Water Retention Techniques: Using water-retaining materials like cloth / gunny bags during curing processes and "ponding" on flat concrete structures to minimize water consumption.
2. Adoption of curing chemicals and techniques that reduce water requirements.
3. Installation of water-efficient fixtures such as push-cock taps, sensor- based taps, aerators, pressure inhibitors, and flow regulators.
4. Provision of separate pipelines for potable water, recycled water, and treated water.
5. Open wells and natural water bodies are used for rainwater harvesting, prioritizing sustainable water sources over borewells.
6. Collaboration with external landowners for rainwater use from nearby storage ponds, supported by formal Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).
7. Board rooms are equipped with water filters and dispensers to avoid bottled water.

Nitte (Deemed to be University) actively incorporates the principles of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) into its educational framework to instill a strong awareness of water conservation and sanitation among students. Early clinical exposure on household-level solid waste and sewage disposal is provided to first-year MBBS students, laying the foundation for environmental responsibility in medical practice. A wide range of academic programs—including MBBS, MD/MS, MSc and BSc Nursing, BSc Biomedical Science, BSc Medical Imaging Technology, BSc Anesthesiology and Operation Theatre Technology, BSc Medical Laboratory Technology, and Bachelor of Architecture—include dedicated modules on aquatic ecosystems, climate change impacts on water resources, the consequences of water pollution, and applicable environmental laws. This interdisciplinary approach ensures that students across health sciences, engineering, and design are equipped with the knowledge needed to contribute to sustainable water management.