Sustainable Nitte

Sustainable Cities and Communities

PREAMBLE                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

This report provides an overview of Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11), which focuses on creating inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable human settlements. As rapid urbanization continues, cities worldwide face challenges such as environmental degradation, inadequate infrastructure, socio-economic disparities, and climate-related risks. SDG 11 emphasizes the need for integrated strategies that not only support sustainable growth but also improve the quality of life for all.

Nitte (Deemed to be University) has actively engaged with this vision, translating global objectives into impactful local outcomes. Through a diverse portfolio of educational, healthcare, and community-oriented initiatives, Nitte demonstrates how institutions can play a pivotal role in advancing sustainable urban development. Its efforts span academic programs, sustainability projects, public health interventions, and awareness campaigns, all designed to strengthen resilience and inclusivity in local communities.

Key initiatives include promoting environmental consciousness, effective waste management, and noise pollution reduction, alongside improving healthcare accessibility. These targeted actions reflect Nitte’s commitment to addressing urban challenges while fostering long-term sustainability. By integrating documentation, visual representation, and participatory approaches, the institution ensures transparency and encourages collaborative learning.Collaboration lies at the heart of Nitte’s approach, bringing together students, faculty, local residents, and government bodies to co-create solutions. Such partnerships not only address immediate urban issues but also contribute to building more equitable, livable, and future-ready communities. Through its comprehensive initiatives, Nitte exemplifies the role of higher education institutions in advancing SDG 11, standing as a model of transformative change and a source of inspiration for broader societal impact.

Proactive steps taken by NU

Affordable and Sustainable Transport Systems

Infrastructure and Amenities for University Employees: Nitte is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for its employees for University Employeesby prioritizing their comfort, accessibility, and well-being. As part of its employee welfare initiatives, the university provides a free transportation facility in the form of college bus services to all staff members working across its constituent colleges. This initiative not only ensures safe and convenient daily commuting but also encourages sustainable transportation practices by reducing the reliance on private vehicles and lowering the overall carbon footprint. In addition to transportation, the university also extends support through provision of staff quarters to faculty and staff members who are in need of residential accommodation. These on-campus quarters offer a secure and comfortable living environment, fostering a sense of community and belonging among employees. The proximity to the workplace allows for better work-life integration and encourages active participation in university activities and initiatives. By offering these essential facilities—free transport and staff housing—Nitte demonstrates its strong commitment to employee welfare and institutional sustainability. These efforts contribute to creating a positive and productive work culture while also aligning with the broader goals of sustainable urban development as envisioned in Sustainable Development Goal 11.

College bus facility

Road Safety Awareness Campaigns: On the occasion of the Road Safety Awareness Week from 11th to 17th January 2024, the Dept. of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery ABSMIDS jointly with the Association of Maxillofacial Surgeons of India, organised an awareness campaign on 16th January 2024 at Avishkaar, ABSMIDS. Prof (Dr) Padmaraj Hegde, HoD, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery engaged the students in a presentation that covered crucial topics such as the impact of road accidents on facial injuries, The interactive session on road safety awareness were organized, emphasizing the public health concern of road safety and the importance of wearing seat belts and helmets.

                                                        Road Safety Awareness Campaigns

Pedestrian Pathways and Electric Vehicles: Development and maintenance of well-lit, accessible pedestrian pathways across the constituent college campuses to encourage walking and reduce reliance on motorized transport. Promotion and integration of electric vehicles for internal campus transport, including electric shuttles or charging infrastructure for personal electric vehicles.

Pedestrian Pathways in campus



Pedestrian Pathways in campus

Bicycle Infrastructure: Creation of dedicated bicycle lanes and secure parking facilities to encourage cycling.

Cultural and Natural Heritage

Fostering Inclusive Societies through Heritage and Education - The Justice K.S. Hegde Museum:

The Justice K.S. Hegde Museum, located at Nitte (Deemed to be University), commemorates the life and legacy of Justice K.S. Hegde—eminent jurist, parliamentarian, and visionary leader. It showcases his journey from a rural upbringing to becoming a Supreme Court judge, Speaker of the Lok Sabha, and a key advocate of legal reform in independent India.

The museum houses artifacts, photographs, manuscripts, awards, and personal memorabilia that reflect his commitment to justice, democracy, and human rights. Exhibits combine traditional displays with interactive panels, audiovisuals, and guided tours, offering visitors engaging insights into his contributions to law and governance.

More than a historical repository, the museum serves as a center for civic learning, inspiring students, scholars, and citizens to uphold the values of integrity, justice, and public service championed by Justice K.S. Hegde.

Justice K.S. Hegde Museum

Insert video link : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2n6tWGf0N8

Tulu Centre: The Tulu Centre plays a vital role in preserving and promoting the Tulu language and culture. Documentation includes activities from 2024 onwards, potentially linking to their YouTube channel or other digital archives to showcase their work.

Justice K.S. Hegde Museum

video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5jcrmc6SWg

CBRI Architecture Competition - Documentation of Ainmanes' of Kodagu:Nitte Institute of Architecture (NIA) proudly secured the third position in the Institute category at the prestigious 'CBRI Architecture Competition - BharatiyaParamparikAwasUthan Award.' The event, held on September 19, 2024, saw Semester 3 students present their exceptional work, which highlighted the richness of traditional architectural wisdom. This remarkable achievement reflects the dedication and effort of talented students and the invaluable guidance provided by faculty throughout the journey.

Reduce the Adverse Per Capita Environmental Impact of Cities & Waste Management

Drive in association with Ramakrishna Mission - Swachh Mangaluru Abhiyan: On 1st October 2023, the Nitte Institute of Physiotherapy (NIPT) in association with the Ramakrishna Mission Swachh Mangaluru Abhiyan, conducted a 'Swachhanjali-Plogging drive'. This event combined physical activity with environmental stewardship, where participants collected litter while jogging, promoting cleanliness and sustainability in urban spaces. This initiative not only helped in cleaning the environment but also encouraged a healthy lifestyle among the participants, aligning with the broader goals of SDG 11 by promoting sustainable urban living.

Swachh Mangaluru Abhiyan

CleanlinessSwachhata Campaign: The NSS Unit of Nitte Usha Institute of Nursing Sciences, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India, Regional Directorate of NSS, Bengaluru conducted a Swachhata campaign on the occasion of ShaheediDiwas on 5th April 2024, at Paneer campus. A total of 42 first-year GNM NSS volunteers actively participated in the Swachhata campaign.

CoastalClean-up Drive: The Indian Red Cross Society, in collaboration with the Youth Red Cross (YRC), organised the National Youth Day 2024 to commemorate the 162nd birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. The Clean-up drive was held on 12th January 2024 at the Tree Park, Tannirbavi Beach, Mangalore. The event witnessed approximately 200 students from various colleges of Mangalore. NICO was represented by students of PG Diploma in Advertising & Public Relations and PG Diploma in Photography & Filmmaking along with YRC Coordinator, Prajwal NR, Asst Professor. With great enthusiasm, students collected plastic and e-waste found on the beach from 8:30 to 9:30 AM. To facilitate the participants, the organizers furnished gloves and waste bags. A delectable breakfast was provided to all participants and faculty members.

International Plastic Bag Free Day:

On July 7th, 2024, the 6(KAR) Naval Subunit, NCC, marked the International Plastic Bag Free Day. This global initiative aims to educate individuals and communities about the adverse effects of plastic bag usage and encourages them to adopt more sustainable practices. The event saw enthusiastic participation from 21 cadets, who played a vital role in spreading awareness and promoting eco-friendly habits within their community. The cadets were divided into four groups to conduct a thorough cleanup in and around their subunit. Additionally, they utilized various social media platforms to share informative posters, effectively spreading awareness beyond their immediate surroundings. This proactive engagement not only demonstrated their dedication to environmental conservation but also inspired others to reconsider their use of plastic bags and embrace more sustainable alternatives.

Plastic Bag Free Day

Waste to Wonder - Christmas Tree Challenge: Nitte Institute of Architecture celebrated the holiday season with the "Waste to Wonder: Christmas Tree Challenge" on December 19, 2024. This online competition, aimed at promoting creativity and sustainability, featured two age-based categories: under 18 and above 18. Participants showcased an impressive array of innovative and eco-friendly Christmas tree designs, each a testament to their artistic talent and resourcefulness. The competition concluded on December 26, 2024 with winners announced on the same day. The prize winners were honored during a prize distribution ceremony held at the Nitte Institute of Architecture on January 11, 2025.

Waste to Wonder - Christmas Tree Challenge

Waste Management Systems:Nitte (Deemed to be University) is dedicated to implementing environmentally responsible waste management practices. Through a well-structured approach, the university aims to reduce its environmental footprint, minimize landfill contributions, and cultivate a culture of sustainability among students and staff.The university follows a structured waste segregation system, categorizing waste into biodegradable, non-biodegradable, and hazardous waste. Hermicomposting is a primary method for biodegradable waste management, utilizing earthworms to convert organic waste into nutrient-rich compost, which is used for landscaping and gardening.Other biodegradable waste is composted through organic compost pits on the campus.Non-biodegradable waste, including plastics and paper, is collected and handed over to authorized recyclers for proper disposal and recycling.Hazardous waste, including chemicals and certain laboratory waste, is managed as per environmental safety guidelines

Solid waste management and Hermi compost unit

Provide Universal Access to Safe, Inclusive and Accessible Green and Public Spaces

Enhancing Urban Livability through Public Green Spaces - Sanmathi Garden:Sanmathi Garden stands as a vibrant symbol of nature’s harmony, offering visitors a refreshing escape into greenery and tranquility. Spread across several acres, this beautifully landscaped botanical haven is home to a rich diversity of plant life—ranging from ornamental flowers to majestic trees—that together create a soothing and rejuvenating environment. Designed to provide both aesthetic appeal and ecological value, the garden serves as a peaceful refuge from the fast pace of urban life. Beyond its scenic charm, Sanmathi Garden actively engages the local community by organizing educational workshops, awareness drives, and eco-focused events that foster a deeper understanding of environmental stewardship and sustainable living. Its ongoing commitment to biodiversity conservation and public learning underscores its role as more than just a green space—it is a living classroom and a community hub. Open to all and free of charge, Sanmathi Botanical Garden reflects the spirit of inclusivity and the importance of accessible natural spaces in building sustainable urban communities.

Sanmathi Garden

University Campus Walkways: Ensuring pedestrian pathways within the university campus are well-maintained, safe, and accessible to all, including those with disabilities.

Zebra Crossings and Signage: Implementation of clear zebra crossings and appropriate signage to ensure pedestrian safety, especially in high-traffic areas. This contributes to making public spaces safer and more inclusive.

Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC): The OPAC system at Nitte provides a user-friendly interface for searching the library's vast collection by author, title, subject, or keywords, making it quick to find needed resources. This tool also provides detailed information about individual books, such as their availability, location, edition, call number, number of copies, and links for subscribed e-resources. The OPAC system facilitates users and the general public in finding the status of books and other library resources, allowing public access to avail books. It also simplifies the process for users to reserve books and to know their user account details like borrowed books and transaction history. ( http://library.nmamit.in/)

Library Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC)

Nitte Smart Village:

A special event was held at NMAM Institute of Technology (NMAMIT), Nitte, to launch the "Smart Village Innovation – Practical Handbook", aimed at promoting sustainable rural development through student-driven technical innovations. The program was organized by NMAMIT in collaboration with Institution Innovation Council (IIC).The handbook highlights innovative, low-cost, and practical solutions developed by students in areas such as water conservation, waste management, energy efficiency, and rural infrastructure. The event aimed to empower engineering students to apply their knowledge to real-world problems in rural areas, thereby bridging the gap between technology and community needs.

Training program on “Creating models with 3-D printing”: Organized by the Students Innovation Club, NUINS, in association with the Institution's Innovation Council, Nitte DU, this program on 30th November 2024, provided an insightful overview of 3D printing technology and its application in healthcare innovation, contributing to technological advancements for sustainable solutions. The resource person Ar. Jacob Thomas, Asst. Professor, Nitte Institute of Architecture provided an insightful overview of 3D printing technology, covering the selection & utilization of 3D models. Participants explored the fundamentals of 3D printing, engaging in hands-on activities that highlighted the application of 3D technology in healthcare innovation. An interactive Q&A session at the end facilitated the exchange of ideas. A total of 42 students participated in this program.

Training program on “Creating models with 3-D printing