Objectives of the Practice
- To foster knowledge about environmental issues, emphasizing the impact of human actions on nature.
- To develop and execute a comprehensive plan for creating a green and sustainable campus environment.
- To involve the campus community in environmental initiatives.
The Context
A green campus serves as a dynamic learning environment and integrates sustainability principles into the academic curriculum. The Administration kept the goal for creating an ambience and learning environment for students. Environmental initiatives of the institution align with SDG 4, 13 and 15. By embedding environmental sustainability in the college framework, students gain practical experience in eco-friendly practices, fostering a sense of responsibility and awareness. Green club was created for students to involve in several activities and sensitise them about the problems being generated by the modern lifestyle and their remedies. Such efforts not only align with societal expectations but also prepare students for a future where sustainability is increasingly integral to professional and personal life. Through these environmental initiatives, college establishes a model for responsible citizenship, encourages ecological resilience, and prepares future leaders to tackle urgent environmental issues.
The Practice
- Campus Sensitisation Events
The institution conducted nature-themed Campus Sensitisation Events for the students to promote ecological knowledge, biodiversity awareness, and sustainable practices. Therefore, the institution conducts Seminars, Herb-Expo, and Quiz competitions to provide insights on varied environmental aspects occasionally.
Nature Tours of the college provided hands-on environmental education and offered insights into biodiversity, ecological systems, and conservation efforts. Engaging experiences enhances the students’ appreciation for nature and fostering a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability.
- Meenachil River Rejuvenation Sena
Green club took initiative for the commencement of a unit of Meenachilar Rejuvenation Sena in the campus which was formed on 20th August 2019.Dr. Raju D. Krishnapuram inaugurated the Meenachilar Punarjani Sena Unit. Students took a pledge to save our Meenachilar and conducted various activities.
The Students of the College engaged in the creation of a Vegetable Garden by cultivating Cabbage, Capsicum,Green Chilly, Pea, Ginger etc.
- Farm Visit – Outreach programme
The Farm Visit Program enabled the students to engage firsthand with sustainable agriculture, learning about organic practices and biodiversity. Farm visits empowered students with practical knowledge for a sustainable future.
Since our college is well known for its river frontage and having a Bamboo Forest in the Campus can have multiple benefits for the students, faculty and the environment as it can create a natural and relaxing atmosphere for the campus community. The Green club of the college initiated the creation of Bamboo Forest at the Meenachil riverfront of the college on 15th February 2018.
Under the initiative of Green Club, a green park was inaugurated in the campus on 11th January 2022. The Green park offers a place for relaxation and also it provides a space for an outdoor classroom. Green Park plays a crucial role in promoting concern about the environment, improving mental and physical health of the students and local community.
Under the initiative of Green Club, JAKA Riverview Park was inaugurated on 25th November 2022. Jaka River View Park offers an ideal environment for our students to unwind and foster a sense of community. This Riverview park is to promote environmental consciousness among students and act as an eco-friendly outdoor classroom.
- Community connect – Awareness programmes
The College took initiatives to sensitise the neighbouring communities on the nature conservation programs
Evidence of Success
Community Connect – Awareness programmes
- The Dept. of Computer Science jointly with the Green Club of the College organized a public awareness programme on 5 July 2019. Fifth semester BCA students’ prepared 1000 leaflets with the caption “Prakruthikku Kootai Prakruthiyude Koode”. The leaflets describe how we can manage all types of waste items.
- As part of National pollution control day, on 02/12/2022 an awareness program was conducted by green club in collaboration with the Department of Social Work at Kavalipuzha Mini Beach. With the collective participation of the community and the students a community cleaning drive was conducted with the theme of “Plastic Free Kavalipuzha”.
Campus Sensitisation Events
- Quiz Competition:The Green Club of the College conducted a Quiz competition based on Agriculture and Organic farming on 8 December 2021, The winners were named as KARSHAKA KUMARAN (Rahul Krishna, S4.B.Sc.) & KARSHAKA KUMARI (Anjana P.S. S2 B.SC) were selected and given prizes for them.This fostered a sense of responsibility and encouraged a greener mindset among the college community.
- Seminars: On 29th January 2019, the Green Club and Department of Mathematics of BVM Holy Cross College Cherpunkal jointly conducted an awareness programme on ‘ Organic Farming’. Sri. Babu Raj the agricultural officer of Kozhuvanal Grama Panchayat took the class. On 15th February 2019 by the initiative of Green Club , a seminar on Energy Conservation and management. These Seminars on environmental domains enabled the students to gain practical knowledge, fostering a community committed to environmental stewardship. Through collaborative learning, we aim to inspire impactful change and promote a harmonious relationship between humanity and the planet.
- Herb Expo:On 2nd September 2019, ‘HERB-EXPO’ of around 200 medicinal plants was conducted at BVM Holy Cross College, Cherpunkal. The exhibition boosted students’ love for nature and gave them an awareness regarding the medicinal value of plants.
- Flower Garden: On behalf of the Green Club of the College in association with the Mathematics Department, certain shrubs were planted by a number of students on 04th December 2018. Our U.G students maintained the garden by pouring water, removing weeds and cultivating different types of plants like Rose, Jasmine, and Marigold etc.
- Green protocol: Department of Social work has received an appreciation from the “Kerala Association of Professional Social Workers” for demonstrating strict and unwavering adherence to the green protocol.
Vegetable Garden
- To promote organic farming habits, Green Club, BVM Holy Cross College, Cherpunkal organized a cabbage and Capcicum planting program on 8 th October 2018.
- On 2nd April 2019 the cabbage harvesting was inaugurated and the cabbage was distributed among students and teachers.
- Under the initiative of Green club, students of the Department of Mathematics, under the supervision of Asso. Prof. Jose Joseph, planted ginger in 200 grow bags. Every week students from third year removed the weeds and put in organic manure.
- Our ginger harvest was held on January 7, 2019. After that, we prepared 50 bottles of ginger-lemon squash on January 10, 2019 with the help of students. This yellow-golden mix of lemon and ginger is sweet, sour and tangy.
- The college level inauguration of the “Haritha Keralam” programme was done on 8th December 2019 and planted pea seeds in 180 grow bags.
- Gingiberi Messis – Organic Farm: Gingiberi Mesis embraces sustainable agriculture through organic farming practices. Under the green club initiative, the harvesting of an organic farm was created in College campus to promote consumption of ‘Chemical free vegetables’ on 13th January 2023. Students engaged in chemical-free cultivation and that fostered environmental awareness, imparted responsible farming education, and contributed to a healthier campus and local community ecosystem.
Bamboo Forest
- The creation of Bamboo Forest in our college exemplifies a sustainable initiative that enhances biodiversity, sequesters carbon, and supports eco-friendly practices. The Bamboo Forest serves as a living testament to our dedication to a greener and more sustainable campus.
Nature Tour
- Green Club of the College, a ‘ Nature Tour’ was organized on 17.12.2022 to Vagamon, a place also known as ‘ Queen of the Mist’ for its beauty. A total of 32 students from various departments took part in this Nature tour and they were accompanied by four faculty members. The Nature Tour gave them a chance to explore the lush greenery of Vagamon.
Green Park
- The classes are taken in the green park regularly. 80% of the students frequently make use of the ambience in the Green Park. This eventually boosted their mental health and created a positive behavioural approach towards the environment.
Meenachil River Rejuvenation Sena
- The Students of the College engaged in the Meenachil River Rejuvenation and conducted household surveys, clean-up activities, and awareness generation in collaboration with local communities. This holistic engagement not only fosters environmental responsibility but also instills a lasting commitment to sustainable practices among our students for shaping a greener future.
Farm Visit – Outreach programme
- The students from final year B.Sc. Mathematics visited the “JYES farm” at Neendoor on 2 February 2019. This immersive experience fosters ecological awareness, promoting responsible farming.
Jaka Riverview Park
- Regular classes are held in Green Park, which serves as an eco-friendly outdoor classroom at Riverview Park, aiming to foster environmental awareness among students.
Problems Encountered and Resources Required
Actions devoted to conservation of a green campus are time consuming and expensive. The institute had interest in developing a Solar Panel energy project. However, as a comprehensive infrastructure development plan was in progress, this plan was postponed.
