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Sustainable Nitte

CLIMATE ACTION

PREAMBLE                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

CLIMATE ACTION PREAMBLE

Climate change poses one of the most urgent challenges impacting ecosystems, economies, and societies globally. Sustainable Development Goal 13, Climate Action, aims to unite global efforts in combating climate change and its far-reaching consequences. By taking decisive action now, collectively we can mitigate the effects of climate change, enhances resilience to its impacts, and safeguard the planet for future generations. University is actively involved in advocating for climate resilience strategies through collaborating with local authorities, schools, NGOs, and stakeholders to develop and implement adaptation measures that strengthen community resilience against climate- related risks.

Nitte University is actively contributing to SDG 13 through comprehensive water conservation and green practices across its campuses. Environmentally friendly methods are used to conserve and utilize water optimally, with recycled water maintaining lush green landscapes throughout the year. Rainwater harvesting systems are installed across all three campuses, utilizing open wells and water bodies to capture and store rainwater.

Nitte university has setup medicinal gardens with a diverse range of 125 medicinal plants which are meticulously catalogued, detailing each plant's scientific name, common name, medicinal uses, and major chemical components. Ongoing activities and initiatives further endorse university commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action. NSS special camps are focused on health, environmental awareness programs, campus bird count that contributes to avian biodiversity research. University actively engages students and staff in meaningful environmental activities. Other notable events include noise pollution awareness programs, the celebration of Vanamahotsava for nature conservation, plogging drives, and beach clean-up drives. Nitte University demonstrates a robust commitment to advancing sustainability, environmental conservation, and climate action, ensuring a positive impact on our community and the broader environment.



PROACTIVE STEPS TAKEN BY NU

Research:

Nitte University is actively promoting research on climate action by providing seed grant to encourage researchers explore ways to tackle environmental challenges like climate change. Nitte University aims to find practical solutions that promote sustainability and protect our environment for the future.

Nitte university involved in research oriented on climate action. National and international funding agencies has awarded grant for research proposal submitted by the university. Grants are supporting the efforts to address environmental issues such as climate change thrugh innovative projects and studies.

Dr. Suchetha Kumari, Dr. Shilpa Shetty, Dr. Shirpa Sonkusare, and Dr. Prashanth B Naik from KSHEMA received Rs 13,500,000 for their research on "Studies on Pregnancy, delivery and child development pattern in water contaminated area of India" from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (MEXT - Government of Japan).





Dr Biswajit Maiti, Dr. Indrani Karunasagar, and Dr. Anirban Chakraborty from NUCSER (Nitte University Centre for Science Education & Research) secured Rs 4,656,500 under the India-Norway Collaborative Project, Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, for their research on "Biotechnological approaches for prevention and control of fish disease in aquaculture (BIOAQUA).?

Dr Neetha Jathana, PhD student under the guidance of Dr. Smitha Hegde at NUCSER, received Rs 924,000 from the Ministry of Science & Technology for research on "Eliciting degradation of contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) using a novel endophytic bacterial consortium.

Dr Shivakumar B R and Dr. Bhojaraja B E from NMAM Institute of Technology were granted Rs 300,000 for their research on "Spatial Vegetation Distribution Analysis of the Western Ghats, India." From Karnataka Science and Technology Promotion Society, Government of Karnataka.



Dr. Nagesh Prabhu from NMAM Institute of Technology received Rs 149,421 for the research project "Hybrid electric vehicle & solar charging laboratory? from the All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).



Nitte Climate Action Programme (NCAP):

Nitte (Deemed to be University), in collaboration with Dr. M Ramanna Shetty Memorial English Medium High School, launched the Nitte Climate Action Programme (NCAP) on October 26, 2023. Students from seven neighbouring schools attended the launch and received a presentation on NCAP following the inauguration. Faculties from various institutes of Nitte University visited schools situated around Mangalore north zone to address students and raise awareness about climate change and its impacts on health, water, soil, and other critical areas.

Key achievements of 2023:

  • Awareness on climate change was created in 107 schools.
  • Over 7,774 students were educated through this program, emphasizing the importance of environmental responsibility and sustainable practices.
  • Competition of working and non-working models oriented to climate action plan was conducted.
  • 170 models were developed by school children.






    • LOW CARBON USE

    Energy: Nitte (DU) works towards reducing conventional energy usage and relying more on alternative green energy sources such as solar energy and wind energy in addition to hydroelectric power and biogas. The University sources electric power from the local electricity board (MESCOM), a private power vendor, and in- campus solar power units. Nearly 2/3rd of the total requirement comes from renewable energy sources. Intending to contribute towards the green initiative, the University has entered into an open access agreement for Hydro & Wind energy with M/s. AMR Power Pvt Ltd, M/s. Doddanavar Global Energy Pvt Ltd and M/s. Brindavan Hydropower Pvt Ltd.




    Transport facilities :

    NITTE (Deemed to be University) actively promotes sustainable transportation as part of its commitment to green practices. The university encourages staff, students, and other employees to utilize the common transport facilities provided. A fleet of free buses serves as the primary mode of transportation, reducing the need for individual vehicles and thereby minimizing the carbon footprint.

    In addition, the university operates six 14-seater vans that regularly commute between campuses and the city, ensuring efficient and convenient transportation for the university community. These buses and vans operate across all Nitte campuses, supporting the university's goal of reducing traffic congestion and promoting eco-friendly travel options. This initiative not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also fosters a culture of environmental responsibility within the university community.




    Policy on Food from aquatic ecosystems : Food from aquatic ecosystems include fish, shellfish, seaweeds, crustaceans, molluscs, algae, sea vegetables, and fish eggs. Fish and aquatic food systems are recognised as key sources to enhance food production and nutritional security. However, unsustainable use of aquatic ecosystems can lead to environmental degradation and collapse of established biodiversity and ecosystems. Currently, Nitte DU campuses does not serve food from aquatic ecosystems. This policy is drafted to ensure that the food on campus that comes from aquatic ecosystems is sustainably harvested in the event of introducing seafood/food from aquatic ecosystems on campuses in the future.

    Electric vehicle usage:

    Electric vehicles are being used for the transportation. Mobility of the staff between the university campus are encouraged through electric vehicle available in the university.




    Green campus :

    • Medicinal plant garden is set up in the university premises. The initiatives support reducing carbon foot print, academic and research pursuits in the fields of nursing and pharmaceutical sciences.
    • Tree adoption initiation by the staff and students of the University ensured watering and care taking during the dry months of summer. Weak saplings are preferred for adoption over healthy trees.
    • Vanhamahotsava event enable planting the sapling around the University campus. The event aimed to promote environmental conservation through tree plantation activities on the college campus and at the arboretum.





      • Activities::

      • The NSS unit of Nitte Usha Institute of Nursing Sciences organized a special camp from January 8-14, 2023, at Shree Somanatheshwara Temple, Ira, Kundavu. The camp, themed "Youth for Environment Development,"
      • Awareness programmes are organized for school children on ?Environment Sustainability? theme.





      • The Campus Bird Count (CBC) at Nitte University is an annual sub-event of the Great Backyard Bird Count organized by eBird, The C o r n e l l L a b o f O r n i t h o l o g y . H e l d nationwide, this event involves campuses across India collecting bird species data for research purposes. Nitte University organized the CBC for the fourth consecutive year from 17th to 20th February 2023.From 18th to 20th February 2023, bird counting sessions were conducted twice daily?early mornings and late evenings?across different campuses of Nitte University. The CBC event at Nitte DU attracted 61 participants from various faculties. Together, they recorded sightings of 70 bird species within the campus, including migratory and resident birds spanning from small passerines to large raptors. Noteworthy sightings included rare species like the Pied Kingfisher and Indian Nightjar.
      • The Department of ENT, KS Hegde Medical Academy and Nitte Institute of Speech & Hearing, in association with the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board and Association of Otolaryngologists of India, Karavali Branch, Mangalore, observed World Hearing Day on 3rd March 2023.





      • On 2nd December 2023, in observance of National Pollution Prevention Day, the NSS Unit of NUCSER partnered with the local panchayat to conduct a beach cleaning drive at Someshwar Beach. The initiative aimed to raise awareness about environmental pollution and engage the community in preserving coastal ecosystems. Volunteers cleaned the beach and surroundings, removing plastic waste and debris. The drive significantly improved Someshwar Beach's cleanliness and encouraged community involvement in environmental conservation.
      • The NSS Orientation Day featured a talk on 'Plastic Waste Management' organized jointly by NICO and NIA at the University Auditorium on 31st October 2023. The event aimed to educate students about the environmental impact of plastic waste and promote sustainable practices.
      • On 19th November 2023, the 'Month 02 - Swachhata Shramadan' was conducted by Nitte Institute of Physiotherapy in collaboration with Ramakrishna Mission Swacch Mangaluru Abhiyan. The event aimed to promote cleanliness and civic responsibility among participants.



      Education: The Department of Environmental Health and Toxicology (DEHT) at NUCSER is a program dedicated to enhance understanding the impact of contaminants and environmental stressors on human health and ecosystem functions. The division's research spans a broad spectrum, including:

      • Biodegradation of toxic pollutants
      • Development of novel molecular tools for detecting pathogenic bacteria
      • Microbial ecology of contaminated ecosystems
      • Geo-microbiology
      • Soil nutrient cycling
      • Sustainable waste management and agricultural practices


        • To achieve these goals, DEHT employs both conventional microbiological methods and advanced molecular techniques, such as metagenomics and meta transcriptomics. These tools help in understanding the diversity, distribution, and ecophysiology of archaea in the environment, which has significant implications for public health.

        The division's research mission aims to identify and understand the key processes that influence public health and the environment. This knowledge aids government agencies in evaluating the risks associated with pollutants. Through interdisciplinary and integrative approaches, DEHT faculty and students seek practical solutions to complex environmental challenges.

        NITTE University Research Grants for Sustainable and Impactful Discoveries:

        Nitte University is actively promoting research on climate action by offering grants aimed at fostering innovative projects in environmental. These grants help researchers explore ways to tackle environmental challenges like climate change. By funding these projects, Nitte University aims to find practical solutions that promote sustainability and protect our environment for the future.

        1. Mr. Anish John from NGSM Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences received Rs 100,000 for the project "Formulation and characterization of biodegradable foam spray loaded with silver nanoparticles for wound care."
        2. Dr. Akhila from NUCSER received Rs 125,000 for the project "Investigating the bioactivity of marine macroalgae extract."
        3. Ms. Deole Dsouza from NUCSER received Rs 10,000 for the project "Assessment of microplastic in personal care products and their toxicity profiling in zebrafish."
        4. Mr. Akshay Kamath from NMAM Institute of Technology received Rs 10,000 for the project "Design of miniature Prototype for Organic Waste based Compressed Biogas Production and Purification."
        5. Mr. Prasanna R from NMAM Institute of Technology received Rs 10,000 for the project "Sustainable High-Performance Alkali Activated Pavement Concretes using Agro-Industry Wastes."
        6. Ms. Renesha Reshma Rodrigues from NMAM Institute of Technology received Rs 10,000 for the project "Fabrication of bench scale microbial electrolysis cell for renewable energy generation."
        7. Dr. Rajeshwari Vittal from NUCSER received Rs 100,000 for the project "Exploring the association of microorganisms with microplastics in aquatic environment."
        8. Dr. Santhosh Poojary from NMAM Institute of Technology received Rs 150,000 for the project "Production of Advanced Biofuels from Hydro-Thermochemical Processing of Biomass."
        9. Dr. Shanmukha Shetty from NMAM Institute of Technology received Rs 190,000 for the project "A Novel Approach to Corrosion Rate Monitoring Using Digital Twin Technologies for Structural Health Monitoring."
        10. Mr. Sanjay Anand G from NMAM Institute of Technology received Rs 10,000 for the project "Eco-friendly Materials Using Recycled Plastic and Foundry Sand."
        11. Dr. Ullal Harshini Devi from NMAM Institute of Technology received Rs 50,000 for the project "Fish byproducts as ecosustainable source of marine collagen and its application in cosmetics."