CoE
   
     
 
PCW
   

BEST PRATICES

Fostering growth, development and care towards natural environment.

     

    Our institution is dedicated to social responsibility and environmental stewardship through maintaining green spaces and fostering a plastic-free, spit-free campus. Students, as environmental ambassadors, extend this mission to the broader community. The Eco Green Club and NSS units drive impactful initiatives in energy efficiency, resource conservation, renewable energy, waste management, and promoting a healthy environment for future generations. Additionally, the Reading Club’s national online discussions on “Ecology in Literature” blend environmental awareness with intellectual engagement, inviting participants across the country to join in meaningful exploration.

     


The Context

     

    Our college is located within a unique shola forest ecosystem, renowned for its moisture-capturing capabilities that support water retention and provide a habitat for diverse flora and fauna endemic to the Western Ghats. To celebrate special occasions and retirement functions, we plant a variety of shola tree species across the campus, contributing to the preservation of this vital ecosystem.

    The campus has also been declared a “spit-free zone,” promoting public health and cleanliness. To extend this commitment, we organize rallies and awareness programs for the community, educating the public on the health hazards associated with spitting.


The practice

     

    To strengthen our commitment to sustainability, our institution has enhanced its green audit process, now encompassing a broader range of assessments. This revised audit evaluates key areas including environmental impact, energy use, waste management, soil and water quality, air quality, and hygiene practices across the campus. A panel of 14 members from the Nature Science Foundation, Coimbatore, along with an observer from the National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies, conducted an in-depth evaluation of these practices, ensuring that our sustainability efforts align with national standards and continually improve. As part of our reforestation and biodiversity initiatives, we introduced seed ball preparation and distribution. To prepare these seed balls, soil and water were mixed with a variety of seeds, creating compact, plantable units. These seed balls were then strategically scattered over long distances across various locations to promote the growth of diverse plant species. This simple yet effective method was shared with local communities, including school children and villagers, in educational sessions that highlighted the importance of increasing green cover and the role that individuals can play in supporting biodiversity.


The practice

    In our mission to create a healthier environment, our campus has also been designated a “spit-free zone.” Recognizing the harmful impact of spitting on public health, we organized an awareness program at the Coonoor Market, where our team educated the community about the health risks associated with this habit and emphasized the benefits of maintaining clean public spaces. We extended this awareness campaign to educational institutions, conducting an informative session at Emerald Heights College in Ooty. Additionally, we installed signposts and placards throughout our own campus to remind students and visitors to maintain hygiene and respect the campus as a spit-free area. Our efforts to eliminate plastic waste have also expanded, as we aim to maintain a plastic-free campus. Students actively engage with the public to raise awareness about the environmental hazards of plastic and encourage the use of eco-friendly alternatives to plastic bags. They have also initiated frequent plastic collection drives in and around Coonoor, ensuring a cleaner and more sustainable environment for the community. On International Plastic Bag Free Day, we organized special awareness sessions, educating the public on the urgent need to reduce plastic use and adopt sustainable practices.  Through these multifaceted efforts, our institution continues to foster environmental consciousness among students and the community, aligning with our mission to create a healthier, sustainable future.


Evidence of success:

     

    Each initiative led by our college aims to uplift the environment, society, and human welfare. Our comprehensive green audit showcases a positive environmental impact, enhancing our institution’s ecological footprint and setting a standard in sustainability. Through continuous efforts, we strive not only to reduce our environmental impact but also to inspire positive change within and beyond our campus.  In our commitment to fostering a healthier community, we expanded the “Spit-Free Nilgiris – Healthy Nilgiris” initiative to Coonoor Market, achieving its designation as a spit-free zone. This community service was acknowledged by the Coonoor Merchants’ Association and Y’s Mentees Club, and our college also received an award from the Coonoor Municipal Council for ongoing plastic waste collection efforts across the city. Our audit reports, certificates, and awards underscore the importance of our environmental initiatives, reinforcing our institution’s role as a responsible environmental steward. These recognitions validate our efforts and motivate us to continue advancing impactful conservation strategies that benefit both our local community and the broader environment. Through these actions, we hope to inspire sustainable practices and foster a healthier, more responsible community.


Problems Encountered and Resources Required

     

    Our initiatives face significant challenges due to financial constraints and the need for public awareness. Educating the community and gathering people at various locations require considerable effort and resources. Securing permissions from government officials adds another layer of complexity, as each initiative must comply with regulatory standards and gain necessary approvals. Additionally, obtaining sponsorships for financial support remains a persistent difficulty, impacting the scale and reach of our programs. Despite these obstacles, our commitment to environmental and social upliftment drives us to find creative solutions to continue making a positive impact on society and the environment.