Symbiosis International (Deemed) University is conscious of the adverse aspects of development and benefits of ecological diversity for the sustainable development of human beings and especially for educational Institutions. Being one of the top progressive Universities in India, SIU lays a strong emphasis on building responsibility for all to conserve and enhance the biodiversity landscape. As a part of this initiative, the University has established a University Biodiversity Committee to nurture biodiversity, create awareness through education, foster the spirit of respect for nature amidst human interaction with environment and ensure conservation of key site areas of the University campus and various Constituent Institute/ Departments of Symbiosis.
The cell has been established to study, collect data and document all biodiversity conservation related matters in 350 acres of the University’s campus and surrounding areas.
'Fauna of Symbiosis International University', a pictorial field guide has been published in July 2018. 191 species of birds, butterflies, reptiles, amphibians and mammals documented at University, Lavale campus are documented in the book. The copies of the book are available for sale in the University’s Central Library.
The University has developed three butterfly gardens at its Lavale campus in 2018 under the guidance of Butterfly man and a Moth lady of India, Isaac Kehimkar and Dr. Shubhalaxmi.
Saplings of more than 2000 food plants and nectar plants are planted at these three sites. Around 45 species of butterflies, many types of moth and 22 types of dragonflies & damselflies are seen around butterfly garden area.
Student members of Biodiversity Cell are involved in regular documentation of flora and fauna and various conservation activities on the campus.
The Lavale campus has built two Bandharas (water storage reservoirs) of total storage capacity of about 30,000,000 litres of freshwater. Eco restoration along the banks of the Bandharas has been carried out and several aquatic vegetation have been introduced. Big rocks added at the banks to attract birds to perch on.
Biodiversity Cell organise Sunday Special Series where eminent personalities, researchers, conservationists, grass root workers in wildlife are invited to interact with students and staff.
With the assistance of constituent Institutes/ Departments, the Biodiversity cell hosts conferences on wildlife and conservation
Contact details:
Mr. Divyanshu Pawar,
Assistant Coordinator - Biodiversity,
Symbiosis Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability (SCCCS)
Telephone: 020 66936944
Email: biodiversitycell@siu.edu.in
Website: https://scccs.siu.edu.in