BEST PRACTICE II
‘AARANYAKAM: WHERE TREES THRIVE, BIRDS ARRIVE’
Introduction
Sustainable environment has been one of the concerns of St. Gregorios Dental College. ‘Aaranyakam’ is an initiative of the college to promote biodiversity on the campus.
Objectives
- To maintain ecological balance
- To encourage forestation and greenery on the campus
- To reduce the negative impact to the surrounding flora and fauna
The Context
St Gregorios Dental College has adopted a green campus initiative named ‘AARANYAKAM’ to promote greenery on the Campus and to provide a suitable habitat for birds to thrive undisturbed, thereby promoting biodiversity and helping ‘life on land’, the 15th sustainable development goal of the UN.
The Practice
- The College campus has many indigenous trees. To promote forestation, the College has signed an MoU with the Forest Department to create a forest in 5 cents of land within the campus under “VIDHYAVANAM SCHEME” .
- The college is situated 7 km from Thattekad bird sanctuary which was described by the legendary ornithologist, Dr. Salim Ali as “the richest bird habitat in peninsular India”. This makes the college premises, a rich bed for birds. The College has made several provisions for birds here, such as facilities for drinking water, nesting, bird feeders and a fountain bird bath that runs on solar energy.
- The college campus possesses a “HERBAL GARDEN” with a diverse array of medicinal plants and herbs known for their health benefits. Students increase their knowledge and use of these plants, through the “INDIAN KNOWLEDGE SYSTEM”.
- The college also possesses a “FRUIT GARDEN”.
- The College maintains “NAKSHATHRAVANAM”, a garden comprising of trees related to the 27 Nakshathras or lunar constellations based on Indian Astrology.
The Nakshathras and their respective trees are:
- Aswathy: Kanjiram/ Strychnine
- Bharani: Nelli/ Indian Gooseberry
- Karthika: Athi/Fig
- Rohini: Njaval/ Jamun
- Makayiram: Karingali/ Ebony
- Thiruvathira: Thippilli/ Long Pepper
- Punartham: Mula/ Bamboo
- Pooyam: Arayal/ Peepal
- Aayilyam: Nagapoo/ Alexandrian Laurel
- Makam: Peral/ Banyan Tree
- Pooram: Murikku/ Parrot Tree
- Uthram: Itti/ Indian Laurel
- Atham: Ambazham/ Hog Plum
- Chithira: Koovalam/ Beal tree
- Chothy: Maruthu/ Arjuna tree
- Vishakam: Vayamkaitha/ Indian Plum
- Anizham: Elanji/ Bullet wood tree
- Thriketta: Vetti/ Aporosa
- Moolam: Vellakunthirikkam/ White Damar
- Pooradam: Vanji/ Indian Willow
- Uthradam: Plavu/ Jack fruit tree
- Thiruvonam: Erikku/ Milk weed
- Avittam: Vanni/ Indian Gum tree
- Chathayam: kadambu/ Indian Oak
- Pooruruttathi: Thenmavu/ Mango tree
- Uthrattathi: Kudappana/ Toddy Palm
- Revathi: Elappa/ Butter tree
Evidence of Success
In embracing this best practice of promoting green campus initiatives while aiding bird conservation, the college fulfills its commitment to enhancing biodiversity in fostering sustainable environment.
Problems Encountered and Resources Required
Maintaining the garden and ensuring the health of each tree requires continuous care, including watering, pruning, pest control and disease management. As water is not an issue, with the support of an efficient gardener the difficulties have been overcome.
