NDA goes all-out to nurture green cover within its campus

Effective waste management and self-sufficiency in energy requirements is another area in focus. Thus,the NDA is in the process of setting up its first biogas plant. Also,in a bid to enrich the soil and put dry leaves to meaningful use,the NDA has formed a number of vermiculture pits. In summer,animals gather in the well-irrigated parks and lawns,as the nalas and rivulets are dry,said the note.

Based on an aerial survey,check dams have been constructed,providing a natural habitat to wildlife in the upper ridges. The major environmental benefit is the replenishment of the surrounding groundwater reserves and wells. The water is primarily intended for irrigation during summer,but can also be used by animals for drinking. Aerial seeding is planned during the monsoon to facilitate aforestation of the barren hills around the NDA. Other initiatives include plans for using alternative sources of energy,such as solar panels and street lighting. Cadets use bicycles within the academy,indicating the Academy’s efforts towards reducing the carbon footprint,the note said. Several citizens participated in a plantation programme recently,in which a few thousand saplings were planted. The NDA is also a strict ‘no plastic zone’.

The NDA campus is now a protected wildlife sanctuary,home to the spotted deer,the common langur,wild boar,peacock,wild cat and so on. It also houses a variety of butterflies,including the Blue Mormone,the Glassy Tiger and the Red Helen. In 1976,the Academy was formally thrown open to the ornithologists of Pune. Over fifty species of birds,such as the scarlet Minivet,the Golden Oriole and the crimson-breasted Barbet,thrive here. As many as 52 two varieties of plants and trees have been identified and catalogued on the roadsides within the NDA. Another 119 varieties of medicinal plants and herbs have been identified. The common flora in the area is the Cassiasiamia,with vibrant yellow flowers,and trees such as the Sisum,Ashoka and Royal Palm. Some exotic species cultivated at the NDA campus are the Jacaranda,Pink Cassia and Gladisidia,the note said.