IIIT-B Marks World Environment Day with Plantation Drive in Reclaimed Urban Forest

BENGALURU:
In celebration of World Environment Day, the International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIIT-B) organized a plantation drive at HSR Layout, Bengaluru, in Sudarvana Urban Forest. This transformative initiative reflects the Institute’s commitment to environmental sustainability and community-driven ecological restoration.

The location of the plantation drive was an erstwhile dump yard, which for years housed waste from neighboring localities. Thanks to the persistent efforts of local citizens and the Jeevanmukthi Foundation Charitable Trust, the area has been reclaimed to develop into a green urban forest. The event marked a significant milestone in this journey, as IIIT-B planted 50 saplings to contribute to the growing green cover.

The initiative was carried out in collaboration with the Jeevanmukthi Foundation Charitable Trust, founded by Ms. Rupa, which has played a pivotal role in citizen-led environmental drives, including the revival of the Sundarvana Forest in HSR Layout. Prof. Debabrata Das, Director IIIT-B along with other senior officials, staff, and students from IIIT-B participated enthusiastically in the plantation drive, reinforcing the institute’s deep-rooted ethos of environmental stewardship and community engagement. Prof. T.K. Srikanth and Mr. Jagadish P. Patil, CAO of IIIT-B, and Ms Akshata P B, a staff member are residents of the locality and active participants turning the land into urban forest.

Reflecting on these sustainable efforts from IIIT-B, Prof Debabrata Das remarked, “Community engagement is essential to truly value and protect our environment. I’m proud that IIIT-B actively participates in such meaningful initiatives, with enthusiastic support from our students showing that the next generation is headed in the right direction. As a Green University along with shaping future leaders and technologists, we also focus on nurturing our planet. This plantation drive reflects IIIT-B’s enduring commitment to ecological harmony.”

The Sundarvana Forest, located on a 2-acre stretch of land, formerly a waste dumping site, now thrives with nearly 14,000 trees. The forest, just three years old, has been developed using the Miyawaki afforestation technique, an innovative method developed by Japanese botanist Dr. Akira Miyawaki. This technique involves planting a dense mix of native species close together, which accelerates forest growth and promotes biodiversity. Miyawaki forests require minimal maintenance after the first few years and are ideal for transforming urban wastelands into self-sustaining ecosystems.

This is not the first time IIIT-B has engaged in afforestation efforts. Two years ago, the institute planted numerous trees in the same locality, which have since flourished under regular care. As the institute rightly believes, planting is only the beginning, sustained nurturing is equally essential.

IIIT-B has been recognized internationally for its green initiatives. A two-time recipient of the International Green University Award at the New York Green School Conference (2023 and 2024), the institute integrates sustainability into every facet of campus life:

· 40% of energy needs met through a 500 KVA solar plant, generating approximately 0.7 million kWh of power annually
· 50% of water requirements fulfilled through wastewater recycling, with an additional 10% from rainwater harvesting
· 100% waste segregation, operational biogas plant, and on-campus composting
· A rich biodiversity with 487 trees representing 60 species
· Eco-conscious campus design maximizing natural light and ventilation
· Active student participation in green drives, eco-marathons, and donation campaigns

With these initiatives, IIIT-B continues to lead by example, proving that sustainable development and technological excellence can go hand in hand.