The Green Guardians of Ashoka University: Horticulture Department in Focus

Nestled within the vibrant campus of Ashoka University lies a verdant haven meticulously maintained by the dedicated Horticulture Department. This department plays a pivotal role in enhancing the campus’s aesthetic appeal and contributing significantly to its sustainability goals. Led by seasoned horticulturist, Prashant Nannavare (Assistant Director- Services), the team is responsible for the flourishing green landscapes that greet every visitor, student, and staff member daily.

A Commitment to Greenery

The department oversees an impressive array of green spaces, including fields, gardens, hedges, and tree plantations. The campus boasts 1,664 trees and 652 square meters of shrubs, with 281 trees planted in the past two years alone. This robust tree population helps offset the carbon emissions generated by the university through a process known as carbon sequestration. The campus’s visual appeal is further enhanced by the seasonal flowerings planted by the department throughout the year.

With approximately 250,000 seasonal plants added annually during summer, winter, and the rainy season, the campus remains colourful and inviting year-round. These vibrant displays are not limited to outdoor spaces; they extend to offices, corridors, lounges, and event areas, with 1,800 potted plants strategically placed to bring nature indoors.

The team ensures that every plant and tree on campus receives the utmost care. Their meticulous approach includes the timely application of nutrients and prophylactic sprays to prevent pests and diseases, ensuring the landscape remains lush and vibrant even during intense summers.

Efficient and Sustainable Practices

Central to the department’s operations are sustainable practices. The university’s two sewage treatment plants (STPs) convert all the wastewater into grey water, which is then used for irrigation purposes. This recycling effort is crucial in maintaining the lush landscapes while conserving precious water resources. Even the themed lawn, sometimes in summer, is used as mulch for the trees or added to the composting area, furthering the recycling effort.

During extreme weather, mulch is applied to trees to prevent water loss and soil evaporation. It helps retain water and prevents direct sunlight from causing evaporation after irrigation. The Horticulture Department follows the three Rs to the T—reduce, recycle, and reuse—in their landscaping efforts. Food waste from the dining areas is converted into manure using an Organic Waste Composter (OWC), which is then used to enrich the soil.

Dedicated Team and Comprehensive Care

The Horticulture Department comprises 18 dedicated individuals, including 16 gardeners and 2 supervisors. This team works tirelessly to ensure the campus remains green and beautiful, even during weekends and holidays, guaranteeing that irrigation and plant care continue unabated, regardless of the season.

A 200-square-meter shed net serves as the department’s storage nursery, housing plants used across the campus. As Ashoka University expands, the department has also undertaken the responsibility of overseeing the green requirements of the new campus and this includes the establishment of a very large nursery, which will cater to all the plant requirements of Ashoka University as it grows over this nearly hundred acres of construction.

These plants will not only be grown in-house and be cost-efficient, but they will be healthier and less impactful to the environment because they will not be transported from different places, therefore reducing emissions.

Enhancing Biodiversity

The department’s commitment to sustainability extends to maintaining a diverse plant population. In the new campus, 80-85% of trees will be native species, compared to 65% in the existing campus. The native species, being more acclimated to local weather and soil conditions, are expected to grow faster and attract a lot of fauna, including birds and other wildlife. Hence, in one way, this initiative aims to preserve the local biodiversity.

The department also manages the Miyawaki forest, a two-and-a-half-acre experimental area aimed at increasing biodiversity and reducing noise pollution. This initiative is expected to attract local wildlife and further enhance the campus’s ecological balance.

Community Involvement and Education

The Horticulture Department actively involves the Ashoka community in its green initiatives. Workshops on planting and potting are held on a regular basis and key environmental days like World Environment Day and Earth Day are celebrated with tree-planting activities. These events aim to educate and encourage students, staff, and faculty to contribute to the university’s efforts to mitigate TCDE or carbon dioxide emissions both on and off campus.

Overall, the department plays a crucial role in creating and maintaining a beautiful, sustainable, and environmentally friendly campus. Their efforts in maintaining the greenery, implementing sustainable practices, and involving the community in environmental stewardship make them the green guardians of Ashoka. As the university continues to grow, the Horticulture Department will undoubtedly remain at the forefront of its commitment to sustainability and ecological balance.