Best Practices

BEST PRACTICES 1: Title of the Practice - Eco-Friendly Green Campus

    The health concerns and aesthetic ambiance of the University are necessary for a good educational institution that caters to the pleasant and healthy growth of the students, employees, faculty, and visitors. It requires a good air quality index, low emission footprint, and a good water recharge landscape with well-structured waste management practices. The University has a large green landscape with about 10000 lush green trees, clean premises, rich biodiversity zones, and water bodies. Solar panels for renewable energy generation and efficient electricity distribution systems and LED Lights have been installed for reducing transmission loss and electricity consumption.

    The campus has well-structured management systems in place for e-waste, solid waste, and hazardous waste generated in day-to-day activities. The campus has been certified for its clean and green practices by ISO 14000 in a row. Falling along the mantras of ‘Complete Health’, ‘Tobacco and Gutka Free’, ‘Clean and Green Campus’, effort is on to evolve the university as a role model for the nation. These facilities would instill in students a sense of confidence besides physical fitness. It would help them in becoming complete men so that they can withstand the challenges of life. University has set up in a green landscaped ambiance and every year more than 10000 trees are planted. The entire campus is covered with many trees, especially Mango, Neem, Sal, Rudraksha, Dragan Fruit, Alma, Palm, Bottle Brush, Ber, Jaamun, Drumsticks and trees, vegetation, and well-manicured gardens and lawns.

Following are some of the important objectives earmarked as follows

    1. To make the University campus and its external surrounding clean and green by adopting and promoting eco-friendly measures for sustainable development.
    2. To accelerate the pace of motivational sensitization about flora and fauna in the surroundings.
    3. To facilitate value-addition and development of soft skills through students’ direct involvement in the practices.
    4. To help inculcate a persuasive culture of self-reliance and sustainable development amongst the students, while propagating a sense of commitment and responsibility towards the society and the world we live in.
    5. To help the university stakeholders to make informed choices and internalize practices related to environmental protection and development sustainability so as to adopt these as a way of life.

The Context

For the creation w of ecological balance, reducing global warming, and increasing the green and pleasant environment for teaching and research. Gardening Beautification Section (GBS) has been established in the university having a complete infrastructure along with an Executive Committee which looks after the maintenance of greenery, lawns, and our chads on the campus. The Gardening Beautification Section (G.B.S.) has developed the university campus in such a way that creates a conducive pleasant atmosphere in the campus which stimulates the students and teachers to feel fresh. The section is also involved to achieve bio- aesthetic planning of the campus. The progress is towards it by way planting of ornamental trees, shrubs, climbers, and avenue trees. The university has developed the Rose and Palm Gardens name after its former Vice Chancellors Prof. D R. Gadekar, Prof. G. Nanchariah, Prof. B. Hanumaiah. The university is also having Bodhi Park, Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay Park, Botanical Park, Bio-diversity conservation park, Horticulture Research Farm-1 II, and B.Voc. Field.

    The Practice

    The University implemented several successful green and eco-friendly campaigns to design the campus and its external surroundings clean and green by adopting and promoting eco-friendly measures for sustainable development. The University has an active eco-club and is conducting internal audits at regular intervals. In addition, the Vice Chancellor’s vision plan focuses extensively on increasing and enhancing energy conservation capabilities. Mechanisms such as Conserving Energy, use of LED and CFL lights, Power Factor Control, and Centralized VRV Air Conditioning are some of the technologies used to conserve energy on the campus. A green campus initiative has been started by the University to create awareness among students and staff about the sustainable use of electricity. It has also conducted an audit on the Campus regarding the usage of electricity in various Departments

    Harnessing solar power: University has installed a solar energy harvesting system as an alternative renewable source of energy to reduce electricity expenditure. Solar energy-based water heating systems are used at many places in the University, especially in the residences, Guesthouses, and Hostels

    Rain Water harvesting: The University is making provisions for Rain Water Harvesting wells on the Campus to recharge the underground water. Rainwater harvesting has been done in the existing buildings. It is also made mandatory in all the new/proposed constructions in the University. Reducing Carom Emission: Frequent plantation of trees, use of renewable energy, awareness for energy conservation, and adoption of energy conservation technologies are some of the efforts undertaken by the University in its effort carbon neutrality.

    Developing Waste Management System

    Hazardous Waste Management - Proper waste management techniques have been adopted for all types of waste. University has zero- effluent discharge to its credit. In the University hospital and health service, color-coded dustbins are delineated for the specific types of waste. University follows Twin Bin System

    E-waste Management

    For e-waste management, BBAU has initiated the process of establishing an e-waste management system to ensure that e-waste is properly stored and given to an agency for disposal. In some instances, photocopying machines and other office peripherals are replaced under buy-back schemes.

    Evidence of Success

    The University regularly conducts awareness programs on environmental issues. University has conducted a number of workshops and seminars on Waste Management (Hazardous and E-Waste), Rain Water Harvesting, Energy Conservation, and Water quality management.

    The University has an “Eco-Club” which provides a platform to engage students in environment-related activities with the help of the Department of Environmental Science and Microbiology of this University. University has provided cycles to the staff and faculty members. Hon’ble Vice Chancellor is leading from the front in this regard and setting himself as a role model by using bicycles on the university campus. Couple with this, the campus is declared ‘Tobacco and Gutka Free’’ underpinning the health hazards related to the consumption of such substances. Anyone, including teachers, karamcharis, and students found using these substances on the university campus will be levied a fine. Along with it, the use of helmets is also compulsory on the campus and violation of the rule again exposes the culprit to the imposition of penalty. The UP pollution control board has installed its device to measure and display the air quality index of the university campus

    The beautiful, lush green eco-environment of the university promotes a sense of well-being and joy among the students/ stakeholders. The propagation of green ideology, thus, has successfully initiated a green dialogue inside as well as outside the university campus. The involvement of students in these institutionalized practices also has quantitative as well as qualitative value for the university in particular and the planet at large

    Problems encountered and resources required

    Lucknow being an eastern district, the climate remains very hot during summer hence during summers the problem of survival of plants is very big. The GBS section is taking care of this problem through greenhouse technology.

    Eco-environmental initiatives such as water harvesting, and the use of non-conventional energy option such as solar panelling or waste management plants needs huge investment with a long gestation period which is invariably ridden with problems that are technical, monetary, and administrative in nature.

    BEST PRACTICES II: Title of the Practice – Skill Enrichment Initiative for Professional Development

    Lucknow being eastern district the climate remains very hot during summer hence during summers the problem of survival of plants is very big. The GBS taking care of this problem through green house technology. The soil in University campus is largely saline and require treatments and management to maintain greenery that needs substantial financial support.

    Objectives of the Practice

    The University has a unique distinction of creating a structural foundation for students’ professional skill development. To materialize the said objective, the university successfully runs the skill enrichment foundation courses for all UG and PG students. English language paper helps students in improving their writing and speaking skills to be able to contribute in a better way. This is also important to improve their personality and getting the job. Being a University named after Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar, the students learn about his life, work, and contributions, particularly in formulating the Constitution of India and uplifting the marginal people of society. The paper on gender studies sensitizes students about gender equality, the role of women in society, and nation-building along with their major contributions in different fields. Paper on community services motivates students to work for society, contribute to work where community participation is required, and sensitize the public regarding different issues. Paper on environmental studies helps students to be sensitive towards the environment, and learn about contemporary issues like climate change, pollution, sustainability, etc. Also, participate in conservation activities. All these courses are qualifying courses. The GBS section works for the community and creates awareness about the plantation and throws light on the importance of in-house production of plants as well as care of plants.

    The Context

    The University successfully runs the skill enrichment foundation courses for all UG and PG students. It requires each PG student to take 4 Foundation Courses in all four semesters and each UG student to take 2 Foundation Courses in the first and second semesters. Each of these courses is mandatory for all students. These courses help in the overall personality development of the students. These courses build a strong personality and help students to grow and develop holistically. These basically help in developing interpersonal skills that can be useful in getting the job. These skills include communication, motivation, teamwork, time management, work ethics, and flexibility, and motivate them to work for society and help in understanding the need of society. At the UG level, English Communication I and Environmental Studies and at the PG level Remedial Language - English, Ambedkar Studies, Gender Studies, and Community Services courses are running as Masters in Personality Development Course (MPDC). The Gardening and Beautification Section (GBS) of the university donate plant samplings to the public in the nearby vicinity. The GBS section and Horticulture department of the university also provides training in various areas such as Post Harvest Management Techniques and other related areas. The plants of the nursery of the GBS section are sold on no profit no loss cost for the community. The GBS sections also provide bouquets, garlands et calos at nominal rates. The Zoology Department provides training to farmers and students on Honeybee and silk production. The department also provides training on vermicomposting, vermi wash, etc from cocoon waste. The department also organizes exhibitions on byproducts of fish such as pots, photo frames, etc. to create awareness among students and the public.

    The Practice

    The skill enrichment foundation courses are designed to help the students to make a successful evolution from the academic world and make them better human beings with qualities making them society oriented. The syllabus is divided into various units. The UG courses are of 2 credits and while PG courses are of 1 credit. External and internal experts in the area take classes of the courses. The examinations are conducted at the end of each semester. The online study material for the students is also uploaded on the University website in the section of Foundation Course Cell in online mode. The University has a dedicated link on the university website for foundation courses (https://www.bbau.ac.in/FoundationCourse.aspx) along with some YouTube video lectures which are available on the University website. The Department of Zoology organizes training regarding silk production, Honey bee, fish management, etc. for farmers as well as students. The GBS section of the university organizes awareness campaigns regarding flower management and plantation etc. The impact of all the skill enrichment foundation courses is essential for the students and helps in grooming their personalities. These skill enrichment courses also help students in getting connected with society and give a sense of belongingness for society. These courses have been introduced to develop communication skills and to understand the significance of communication in daily life, which will help to build the career of the students. Personality Development Center organizes training programs for students of the university for the overall development of the students.

    Evidence of Success

    The skill enrichment courses of the university are non-audit courses compulsory for all the UG and PG students in the University. Students have to clear the courses in the end-semester examinations. Without clearing these papers, students cannot get a degree. After completion of these courses, the students become well exposed to moral studies, gender studies, community outreach, Ambedkar Studies, and English communication which helps them in achieving better social values and thus become more responsible citizens and getting professional competency. The air quality of the campus is good due to increased plantation and making the people aware of the campus.

    Following are some of the significant successful achievements derived from the skill enrichment programs

    1. The skill development programs of the university successfully created an employable ambiance for aspiring students. It is remarkable to mention that students’ success rate in the placement interviews reached the point of the pinnacle. 2. Enhancement of professional skills undoubtedly created a productive employment avenue for university students. 3. The development of persuasive communication skills helps in grooming students’ personalities. 4. The students are sensitized about social problems affecting Indian society. 5. Students are motivated to be part of environmental conservation, awareness, and sensitivity toward sustainable development. 6. The students are sensitized about gender equality. 7. The training and orientation under skill enrichment programs for farmers are proven to be effective for developing their farming skills and enhancing their livelihood. 8. As a part of community development under the skill enrichment program, the livelihood of villagers of adopted villages by the university is gradually gaining momentum due to the efficient and productive participation of university faculty members and students. 9. Skill enrichment courses remarkably help students in getting connected with society and give a sense of belongingness for society. 10. The skill enrichment courses help students in becoming responsible and disciplined citizens of the country. 11. The villagers from the five adopted villages under the skill enrichment programs are trained by the university students and faculty members in the areas of organic farming and restoration of water bodies etc. in their respective villages.

    Problem Encounter and Resources Required – The paucity of manpower and resource constraints sometimes affects to an extent the potential efficacy of the cell. Although the regular faculty takes classes, but they also have their workload in their primary departments. For an efficient and more productive outcome in the coming future, additional manpower with adequate infrastructure is required.