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.
Shri Siddhanta Das, Director General of Forest and Special Secretary, Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar, Pro Chancellor, SIU, Dr. S.B. Mujumdar, Chancellor, SIU, Dr. Rajani Gupte, Vice Chancellor, SIU
University Biodiversity Committee members Dr. Gurudas Nulkar, Dr. Prakash Rao and Shilpa Avate with Shri Siddhanta Das, Director General of Forest and Special Secretary, Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar, Pro Chancellor, SIU, Dr. S.B. Mujumdar, Chancellor, SIU
Dr. Rajani Gupte, Vice Chancellor, SIU during book release function on July 4, 2018.
A handy pictorial field guide on Flora of Lavale campus with an updated list of floristic diversity is currently being planned. As part of this initiative, monthly field surveys are being conducted by the Biodiversity cell, student nature club along with expert botanists to document flora on campus
Dr. Parag Mahajan, Ms Revati Gindi, Botanist with Shilpa Avate, Biodiversity Officer, SIU and Omkar Rao, Student of Symbiosis School of Photography
Amisha Kanijilal, Student Symbiosis School of Photography with Botanist Ms. Revati Gindi during flora documentation
The University has developed three butterfly gardens at its Lavale campus. Saplings of more than 2000 food plants and nectar plants are planted at these three sites. Around 40 species of butterflies and many types of moth species are seen on the campus.
Students from Nature club and garden staff during Butterfly garden plantation
Students from Nature club and garden staff during Butterfly garden plantation
Butterfly Garden
Common wanderer -female (Pareronia valeria)
Plains Cupid (Chilades pandava)
Mrs. Sanjivani Mujumdar, Hon. Director of Symbiosis Society's Dr.BabasahebAmbedkar Museum & Memorial giving onsite tips for butterfly garden development. Mrs. Mujumdar spearheads all garden and landscape designing in Symbiosis
Mr. Isaac Kehimkar and Dr.Shubhalaxi renowned butterfly and moth experts were consulted for developing butterfly gardens on the campus
The student nature club of Lavale campus is quite active and involved in documentation of flora and fauna and various conservation activities.
Nature Club outdoor meeting
Nature club during film preparation
Nature club in the middle of the discussing
Nature club students understanding butterfly garden management
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.
Bandhara during monsoon
Birds perch on stones at Bandhara
Ruddy Shelduck, migratory ducks arrive at Bandhara from Himachal Pradesh and Ladhak and being documented since last two years
Awareness sessions are being organised regularly in all constituent Institutes /Departments of SIU for students and staff.
Rohan Chakravarty, Wildlife Cartoonists discussing role of media in wild life and conservation with students of Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication (SIMC-P), Pune
Shilpa Avate, Officer Biodiversity interacting with students of Symbiosis School of Nursing
Kiran Purandare, Naturalist with students of Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM-P), Pune
Dr. Gurudas Nulkar, Member University Biodiversity Committee during the conference on Biological Diversity Act on January 19, 2019 addressing the crowd about Water body restoration- Case Study
Dr. Prakash Rao, Member University Biodiversity Committee during the conference on Biological Diversity Act on January 19, 2019 addressing the audience on Conservation treaties
Dignitaries, staff and speakers in Nature In Focus (NiF) wildlife and photography Festival on January 12, 2019
With the assistance of constituent Institutes/ Departments, the Biodiversity cell hosts conferences on wildlife and conservation
Contact details:
Miss. Shilpa Avate,
Biodiversity Officer, SIU
Telephone: 020 28116246/ 9623122001
Email: info_biodiversity@siu.edu.in, shilpa.avate@siu.edu.in
BMC
