A Comprehensive study of Environment and Biodiversity of Vinoba Bhave University Hazaribag campus

Abstract

Vinoba Bhave University campus is spread in 67.17 hectare and is situated along NH 33, about 6 km away from Hazaribag. The campus area is centre of various types of activities as over six thousand students are enrolled and about hundred teachers and one hundred and fifty support staff perform their respective duties. Obvious to say, the University campus is hub of activities and the ecology of campus is highly dynamic. Study of ecosystem of University campus is a relatively new concept although because of instructions of NAAC administration, green audit has been started in most of educational institutions. The present research work was undertaken to prepare a detail compendium of various aspects of ecology of Vinoba Bhave University campus. The baseline data thus prepared will be of immense value for further environmental management. Nearly 72.21% of the total area is under green cover with 2654 trees belonging to different species. Apart from that diverse group of plants like, bryophytes, pteridophytes and gymnospers are also being maintained. Most of plants of this campus are planted and are not natural vegetation. Apart from that some endangered species are also being maintained in the campus. Medicinal plant garden is also a must mention part of campus. There are two artificial water bodies which are rather new in age and contain some algae as well. Carbon sequestration efficacy of trees was also calculated which underlines contribution of green cover of campus in climate change mitigation. Soil characteristics of Vinoba Bhave University campus was also estimated. The study is first of its type in our University. newline