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Sustainable Nitte

LIFE ON LAND

PREAMBLE                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

LIFE ON LAND Green cover is crucial for sustaining life on Earth, providing essential ecosystem services like oxygen production, carbon sequestration, water regulation, and habitats for diverse species. Despite this, activities such as deforestation, poaching, and forest fires can disrupt this balance, leading to significant environmental and socio-economic consequences. Universities like Nitte (DU) play a key role in protecting and restoring forests, managing ecosystems sustainably, and combating desertification to contribute to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

Universities are essential in advancing sustainable development goals through environmental awareness, research, and practical conservation efforts. Nitte (DU) serves as an example of how educational institutions can lead in environmental protection and involve communities in sustainability initiatives. By raising awareness among students, faculty, and the wider community, universities can inspire positive change and work towards a more sustainable future.


PROACTIVE STEPS TAKEN BY NU
Events about sustainable use of land
Plant a Tree on Your Birthday:
Planting a sapling on birthdays is a thoughtful and eco-friendly way to celebrate a special day while making a positive contribution to the environment. It creates a lasting memory for the campus community and offers joy each time one revisits the campus in the future. By planting trees on birthdays, we can make those occasions more meaningful and enhance the biodiversity of the university campus. On behalf of the Nitte University Green Initiative Project (NUGIP), the initiative "Plant a Tree on Your Birthday" was launched at the KSHEMA campus for the teaching staff.

Indoor plant approach:
Initiation was taken for planting indoor plants throughout the university campus. Approach has created awareness among student community on sustainability concept. The approach has enhanced the students to voluntarily planting and taking care of indoor plant. Common rooms are adorned with well-cared-for indoor plants, enhancing air quality by providing oxygen and reducing carbon dioxide levels. It has helped to increase air quality in the academic area as well.


Green campus:
Nitte University campus is spread over four sites, covering 150.49 acres. These beautiful campuses house diverse flora and fauna. Out of which, the 105 bird species were recorded, and surveys were submitted to www.ebird.org maintained by The Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 159 Sapsucker Woods Rd. Ithaca, NY 14850. Nitte University campus has approximately 1605 herbal plants, woody shrubs, and trees. It has been the result of a continuous ongoing tree planting programme. A tree audit was conducted over six months. GIS tagging of the entire population of trees on campus is attempted. Local trees have a good representation on the campus.



Nitte University main campus:
It has a well-designed garden with several flowering trees, water fountains, and lawns. The quaint temple at the entrance also maintains a rose garden which adds cheer and colour to the hospital campus. The pathways are also offered with stone benches for resting under the floral canopy and enjoying the view of the water fountain.

NU Paneer Campus:
Paneer campus has the Nitte Gulabi Shetty Memorial Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nitte University Centre for Science Education and Research, Nitte Institute of Architecture, Nitte Institute of Communication, and Nitte Usha Institute of Nursing Sciences. New buildings have sky- lit open spaces inside the building for availing natural light. A football ground-sized playground with a lawn is maintained to support student sports activities on campus. The campus also has two well-maintained herbal gardens with a rich representation of native medicinal plants. This campus also houses the Girl’s hostel of the University, a centralized kitchen, and a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP). 24% of the Paneer campus has a green cover that houses 725 trees and woody shrubs.


KSHEMA Campus:
This campus has the K.S. Hegde Medical Academy, Nitte Institute of Physiotherapy, a well-equipped gymnasium, and separate hostels for boys and girls. The Medical Academy building has large inner spaces. This internal quadrangle space provides fresh air and light. It even accommodates quaint indoor gardens, which enhances the ambience. The students avail themselves of a well-maintained football ground facility on the campus for their everyday recreational and sports activities. The avenues are lined with native flowering trees which support the bird and butterfly populations of the region. The campus also has a medicinal plants garden with trees and herbs used in plant-based medicines. The green cover extends to 24.3% of the campus, with 939 trees and woody shrubs.


Upcoming new campus:
India has pledged in the Paris Agreement 2015 to reduce emissions by 30-35% below the 2005 emission intensity of GDP by 2030. Hence aligning with the eight missions identified under National Action Plan for Climate Change, the following fundamental concepts have been considered in the campus master planning process: Microclimate Modifications, Efficient Water Cycle; Clean Energy; Ecological and Biodiversity Enhancement. All the strategies mentioned above are planned to work within a fabric of dedicated ecological niches, namely the bio-conservation island, forest corridors, riparian edges, and deeper water ecosystem. These niches aim to protect, enhance, and develop a rich and self-sustaining ecosystem that plays a small but crucial role in regional and global carbon sequestration.


Campus bird count:
Nitte University recently held its fourth consecutive Campus Bird Count (CBC) event from February 17 to 20, 2023. The event, part of the Great Backyard Bird Count by eBird, saw 61 participants documenting 70 bird species on campus, including rare sightings like the Pied Kingfisher and Indian Nightjar. Led by experts like Dr. Vineet Kumar K, the initiative aims to raise awareness and appreciation for campus birdlife.


Green Audit and Biodiversity of The Campus
Green audit of the campus offered following key insights:
  • The campus houses around 1,932 herbal plants, shrubs, and trees, including local endemic species. Plantation drives focus on flowering and fruit trees in specific areas for conservation and beautification.
  • Thriving butterfly populations indicate a balanced habitat with diverse plants supporting nine well- documented species.
  • The amphibian population includes nine frog species found in undisturbed, vegetation-rich areas.


Screening of Gandhada Gudi,a documentary on Karnataka’s biodiversity
Nitte Institute of C ommuni c ati on o r ganized a s c r eening of the d ocumentary "Gandh a da Gudi", starring Pun eeth Rajkumar at PVR Cinemas, Man gal o re on Mar ch 9, 2023. Dir ect ed by Am ogh a var s ha and p r odu c ed by A shwini Pun eet Rajkumar, the film explores Karnataka's biodiversity and environmental issues. A total of 117 NICO stu dents and staff attended the screening , followed by an inter active session where students praised the direction and cinematography.


Tree counting in Mangalore city:
In collaboration with the NSS Unit, Nitte University Green Initiative Project inaugurated the tree counting of Mangalore City on 21st May 2023 at Kadri Park, Mangalore. Dr. Dinesh Kumar YK, IFS, Dy. Director was the chief guest and Dr. Ravi DR, Environmental Officer, KSPCB, Mangalore and Sri. Suryanarayan Velnati, Chief Executive Officer, SEZ, Mangalore were the guests of honour. Live tree counting sessions followed the function.

Tree count report of Mangalore city released:
"World Urbanism Day" was jointly hosted by Prof. Dr. Anirban Chakraborty, Director, NUCSER, and Prof. Ar. Vinod Aranha, Director, NIA, in collaboration with the Sustainable Development Goals cell of Nitte DU. The program witnessed the release of the tree count report of Mangalore City 2023.

Key highlights of Tree Census and Green Coverage:
  • Mangalore’s 50/60 wards surveyed, resulting in a total count of 19,171 trees, with Panambur ward (11) and Derebail (East) ward (23) having maximum trees.
  • The total green cover of Mangalore including private land, however, stands at 41.9%, a testament to the city’s private land owners’ commitment to environmental preservation.
  • 6.24% of green cover is found in public spaces, highlighting the need for more green initiatives in public places.
  • The detailed carbon sequestration analysis highlights the Banyan tree’s remarkable capacity, with each tree locking away 6,172.972 kilograms of carbon. The Peepal tree follows closely, sequestering 1,414.22 kilograms per tree.
  • An analysis of Land Surface Temperature (LST) data spanning from 2014 to 2022 reveals striking temperature fluctuations across wards.
  • The correlation between increasing green cover and decreasing average temperatures suggests a significant environmental impact, offering hope for combating rising temperatures.
  • Mangalore average temperature has risen from 32.2°C in 2014 to 32.95°C in 2022, with an increase in the highest temperature recorded in Mangalore from 42°C in 2014 to 47°C in 2022 which is a 5°C increase



World Environment Day 2023
Nitte University's Centre for Science Education & Research, in collaboration with the NSS & Youth Red Cross Units, organized "The Tree Planting Event 2023" at Paneer Campus on June 5, 2023. Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Moodithaya emphasized Nitte's commit- ment to sustainability, addressing climate change impact on water scarcity and urging faculty to drive positive environmental changes for a sustainable future.


Life Mission: Towards protection of the Environment
Nitte University organized a guest lecture on "Life Mission: Towards protection of the Environment" on July 13, 2023. The event featured speakers discussing the importance of environmental protection and sustainable practices. Dr. Anirban Chakraborty and Dr. Srinikethan G highlighted the significance of the program, while Dr. Ravi D R stressed mindful resource utilization. A pledge ceremony encouraged participants to adopt environmentally friendly behaviours for a sustainable world.

e-Waste Collection Drive:
The N SS Unit of Nitte Institute of Communication (NICO) collaborated with Mangala Resource Management Pvt. Ltd. for an e-waste collection drive from July 3rd to 8th 2023. The campaign aimed to raise awareness about responsible e-waste disposal and sustainability on campus. E-waste bins and informative posters were strategically placed for easy disposal, resulting in positive feedback and increased awareness among students and faculty.


Life Mission: Towards protection of the Environment
Nitte University organized a guest lecture on "Life Mission: Towards protection of the Environment" on July 13, 2023. The event featured speakers discussing the importance of environmental protection and sustainable practices. Dr. Anirban Chakraborty and Dr. Srinikethan G highlighted the significance of the program, while Dr. Ravi D R stressed mindful resource utilization. A pledge ceremony encouraged participants to adopt environmentally friendly behaviours for a sustainable world.

Guest Lecture

An Industry-Academia Event on Sustainability:
NUCSER and Eppendorf India Pvt. Ltd. co-organized an event on reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability on October 9, 2023. The event featured discussions on judicious resource use in laboratories, Eppendorf's green initiatives like producing centrifuge tubes from vegetable oils, and the importance of sustainability in research institutes. Activities included a roadshow on sustainable practices, a Quiz, and a Pipette Competition for student engagement in sustainability practices.

E waste management lecture

Nitte University Signs MoU for Herbal Plant Biodiversity Assessment:
Nitte University partners with Balli Ayur Grama, Uppinangady, for a project on herbal plant biodiversity assessment. The collaboration involves creating a medicinal plant database and assigning QR codes to significant plants in the biodiverse area. The MoU was signed on October 27, 2023, with key figures from both institutions present.


Plastic Waste Management:
  • Guest lecture on 'Plastic Waste Management' was held on 11th October 2023 at the University Auditorium, Paneer. Lecture was focused on waste management, plastic's impact, and community initiatives. The talk emphasized reducing plastic use, addressing environmental issues, and innovative waste collection methods.
  • The NSS Units of Nitte Institute of Communication and Nitte Institute of Architecture organised the NSS Orientation Day with a talk on 'Plastic Waste Management' at the University Auditorium, Paneer on 31st October 2023. Mr. Anil Devadiga, NSS Program Officer of NIA welcomed the gathering. The event began with a brief orientation by Mr. Shashi Kumar Shetty, NSS Coordinator, Nitte DU. He spoke about NSS - its inception, roles, and responsibilities.
Vanamahotsava
  • Nitte Institute of Physiotherapy celebrated "Vanamahotsava" on July 17, 2023, planting medicinal and ornamental plants with Student Council members.
  • NGSM Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences observed World Nature Conservation Day on July 28, 2023, promoting tree plantation.
  • A B Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences organized 'Vanamahotsava on Onam' on August 29, 2023, gifting indoor plants to the Principal, Dean, and Heads of Departments.

Workshop on Environment and Development Communication:
  • The three-day workshop on "Environment and Development Communication" organized by Nitte Institute of Communication was a resounding success, offering valuable insights and discussions on crucial environmental and developmental issues.
  • Day 1: Participants delved into developmental economy models, sustainable development concepts, and the challenges of balancing progress with environmental preservation.
  • Day 2: The focus shifted to the Madhav Gadgil and Kasturi Rangan Reports on the conservation of the Western Ghats, providing a deeper understanding of ecologically sensitive regions.
  • Day 3: The final day featured the screening of "Nero's Guests," a documentary highlighting India's agrarian crisis. Prof. Phaniraj led a stimulating discussion on the documentary's themes and stressed the importance of effective communication in addressing societal and environmental challenges.
  • Awareness program on irrigation
  • Awareness program on “Water conservation and Irrigation practices” at Horticulture Hall, Mangaluru on 28th December 2023. The program was attended by the farmers from in and around Mangaluru, and students of NUCSER.


Beach cleaning drive
  • The NSS Unit of A B Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences organized a beach cleaning program at Hejmadi Kodi on January 29, 2023. The team, including Prof. (Dr) Rahul Bhandary and Dr. Amarshree Shetty, together with the students of the college, cleaned the area and disposed of the waste appropriately.
  • The NSS unit of NMAMIT conducted a beach cleaning drive at Malpe on 30th September 2023. Fifty NSS volunteers participated in this cleaning campaign.
  • Nitte Institute of Physiotherapy conducted Swachhata Abhiyan 2023 in the college premises. It was held in 2 phases - Phase 1 on 14th & 15th July 2023 and Phase 2 on 17th July 2023. Phase 1 comprised of cleaning the college premises and Phase 2 involved beautification of the campus by rearranging, pruning, and replanting various herbs and shrubs.
  • A “Beach Clean-up Drive” was organized by the NSS Unit of Nitte Institute of Professional Education on 17th October 2023 at Bengre beach, Mangaluru. 69 volunteers of BBA & BCA programs participated in the 3-hour beach clean-up activity.
  • A beach cleaning drive was conducted by Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) as a part of Environment Day and was volunteered by the NCC cadets of 6(Kar) Naval unit, Udupi on 2nd June 2023.


Policy on plastic waste reduction
Nitte university has framed and implemented the policy
https://nitte.edu.in/naac/2023/THE_IMPACT/Policies/plastic_Waste_policy.pdf

Water discharge guidelines and standards
Policy on treated waste water reuse is enforced across the university campus
https://nitte.edu.in/naac/2019/policies/NU_TreatedWasteWateReuse_R0.pdf

Indian Patent filed