14 Acres of MGRDPR University Transformed into a Green Oasis
GADAG
In a remarkable initiative towards environmental conservation, 14 acres of barren, bush-filled land at Mahatma Gandhi Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (MGRDPR) University, Nagavi, has been transformed into a lush green oasis under the SBI Foundation’s Jan-Van project. This effort, executed in partnership with Sankalpa Rural Development Society (SRDS), has seen the plantation of over 19,000 saplings, turning the area into a thriving mini forest.
Dr. Suresh V Nadagoudar, Registrar and Acting Vice-Chancellor of MGRDPR University, said the campus was exclusively chosen for this project in Karnataka, offering students and the local community a valuable space to connect with nature. With regular water supply and maintenance, a sustainable ecosystem has flourished.
The site features a check dam, open gym, borewells, recharge units, solar lights, benches, and more. Tree species like Banyan, Neem, Teak, Jamun, Honge, and Fig have been planted. The area now supports biodiversity, improves air quality, and has become a popular spot for recreation and community gatherings.
Sanjay Prakash, Managing Director of SBI Foundation, emphasized the positive impact of the project on local greenery and groundwater levels. Sikandar Meeranayak, CEO of SRDS, noted that during summer, 20–25 water tankers are deployed monthly to ensure plant survival.
The success of this collaborative model highlights the critical role NGOs must play in environmental stewardship and maintaining ecological balance. The initiative stands as a living example of how coordinated community and institutional efforts can create meaningful environmental change.
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Roofing sheets and curtains have been installed for protection. To prevent future borewell depletion, the Twin Ring Recharge Method has been implemented. This rainwater harvesting technique uses cement rings and a filtration system to direct water into the ground, enhancing groundwater recharge, said Sanjay Prakash of SBI Foundation.
