Best Practices
Best Practice 1 :
Keeping Campus Clean & Green
Objective of the practice :
The intended objectives are :
- To maintain the environment clean & green throughout the year.
- To develop saplings of various plants and to keep the Samadhi area clean.
- Try to clean the river as far as possible and clean weeds.
- To Clean the water resources and wells.
The Context :
The challenging issue during setup of this practice is planning of garden and selection of plant variety which can survive in the heavy rainfall, humid climate, low water retention due to loose soil, & scanty water supply during summer season. The availability of dedicated manpower was also challenging feature, as it requires affection and love towards plants for nurturing the plants. Budgetary provision for regular fertilizers, de weeding and other financial aspects were provided by the Sanstha and college. The technical issues and other aspects were well guided by sharadchandra Pawar College of agriculture and horticulture.
Evidence of success :
To evaluate the success of the practice we had made the audit report of the area two times from the external agencies’ the report says very positive about the carbon credit.
“In Govindrao Nikam College of Pharmacy, Sawarde campus total 508 tree/shrub were found. But majority of them are shrub. The most common species were Dypsis cabadae, Magnolia champaca, Bougainvillea glabra. The tree/shrubs have average height of 5 m. Total volume is 15.744, Biomass of Volume Over Bark is 11.281, Total above ground Carbon stock in these 508 tree/shrub is 41134.95 Kg while, total below ground Carbon is 16130.55 Kg. In 508 tree/shrub of college campus, total carbon sequestrated is 57.265 Ton. In college campus area many plants are flourishing. Total campus is beautiful with greenery of herbs, shrubs, tree, climbers etc. Tree and shrubs are in developing condition now and carbon sequestration will be increased day by day with increase in biomass. As compared to earlier period majority of plants have shown good growth as increase in height and girth of plants was observed. Some new plants are also grown in campus. Proper care of all the plants is taken by college. The college is also active in plantation drive and following other eco-friendly ways.
Students and staff of college is engaged in various environment conservation activities. In conclusion Govindrao Nikam College of Pharmacy, Sawarde is actively engaged in environment conservation initiatives and with proper care of 508 tree/shrub in area of 3.5 acres with total carbon sequestration of 57.265 Ton. This carbon credit in college campus is green initiative towards capturing atmospheric CO2 and mitigation of climate change and global warming. It is highly appreciated. Plant survival rate is well maintained, watering schedule is also planned according the season.”
- Due to spiritual & environment friendly area people wish to visit our campus.
- People health is largely impacted by pollution so that we are controlling the pollution in campus.
- Presence of medicinal garden, students can use their parts for research purpose.
- Area around our campus not only has lots of wild trees but also gone under plantation that prevents soil erosion.
- The importance of green environment and balance ecological system is inculcated in the students.
Problems Encountered and Resources Required :
The various resources enquired for the practice were, a good agriculturist, and the dedicated gardener. The availability of the various plants and its maintenance. Some plants, herbs, shrubs grow at very high pace, while some does not, various insects, bees and fungus destroys the flowers, a regular and keen maintenance is required to clear these.
These problems were faced and tackled by following regular measures.
- Cutting of grass: Grass cutting is done regularly after certain intervals with grass cutter, it helps in cleaning weeds.
- To prepare tree guards: To prepare tree guards and circles to tress & plant to protect from the animals like goats & cows.
- Fertilizers: Various fertilizers as per the requirement of plants is frequently added to the plants.
- To prepare saplings This is very important aspect of the practice. Preparation of saplings always helps in creation of next generation plants, as well as spreading of the message of green environment by donating saplings to the guest who are arriving at Samadhi.
- Spraying pesticides - Spraying is essential for proper growth of plants & destruction of fungus, insects, mites, etc.
- Watering - Regular watering is done. In Konkan during summer season it is very essential to do watering daily. Thanks to river adjoining our college which flows regular throughout the year.
- Trimming of plants: Regular trimming of plants has to be done for proper growth, cutting unnecessary branches, growth, proper shape and aesthetic look of the plants.
- Other cleaning and nurturing activity is done regularly. Dry leaves are removed time to time, new plants are planted to grow greenery.
- Per year requirement of fertilizer & it's cost.
- Equipment for cutting.
- Worker's fees
- Other maintenance requirement & it's cost
