1. Preamble
Kalinga University is committed to environmental sustainability and to supporting Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water), particularly Target 14.1, which calls for the prevention and significant reduction of marine pollution of all kinds, especially pollution originating from land-based activities. Marine pollution is influenced not only by activities at sea and along coastlines but also by the movement of plastics, solid waste, untreated wastewater, chemicals, nutrients and other pollutants through drainage systems, rivers and other pathways from inland areas to aquatic and marine ecosystems.
Although Kalinga University is located inland in Naya Raipur, Chhattisgarh, the University recognizes its responsibility to reduce pollution at source and prevent waste generated on campus from entering local drainage systems and freshwater networks that ultimately connect with larger riverine and aquatic systems. The University therefore adopts a source-to-sea approach in which waste prevention, responsible consumption, wastewater management, pollution control, awareness, research and community engagement are integrated into campus operations.
This Policy establishes an institutional framework for preventing and reducing marine pollution associated with university activities, with particular emphasis on plastic pollution, litter, wastewater, chemical and hazardous substances, nutrient pollution, improper disposal of solid waste, and other land-based sources. The Policy also promotes education, research, monitoring and partnerships that contribute to the protection of aquatic and marine ecosystems.
2. Principles
The Policy is guided by the following principles:
- Pollution Prevention at Source – Prevent pollution before it is generated and minimize the release of pollutants into drains, water bodies and aquatic systems.
- Source-to-Sea Responsibility – Recognize the connection between inland waste and downstream freshwater, coastal and marine environments.
- Plastic and Litter Reduction – Reduce single-use plastics, prevent littering, and promote reuse, segregation and responsible recycling.
- Sustainable Waste Management – Follow the principles of reduction, reuse, recovery, recycling and environmentally sound disposal.
- Protection of Water Quality – Prevent untreated wastewater, chemicals, oils and nutrient-rich discharges from contaminating aquatic environments.
- Precautionary Principle – Take preventive action where activities may create risks to aquatic and marine ecosystems, even where scientific certainty is incomplete.
- Education and Research – Promote interdisciplinary teaching, research, innovation and student participation related to aquatic pollution and conservation.
- Continuous Improvement – Periodically assess pollution sources and improve institutional practices based on monitoring, evidence and emerging best practices.
3. Objectives
The objectives of this Policy are to:
- Prevent and reduce marine pollution arising from land-based activities associated with university operations.
- Minimize the generation and improper disposal of plastic waste, packaging materials and other litter.
- Strengthen source segregation, collection, recycling, recovery and environmentally sound disposal of solid waste.
- Prevent the discharge of untreated or inadequately treated wastewater, chemicals, oils and other contaminants into drains and water bodies.
- Promote responsible use, storage and disposal of laboratory chemicals, cleaning agents, paints, oils and other potentially polluting substances.
- Reduce nutrient pollution by promoting efficient water, sanitation, landscaping and waste-management practices.
- Encourage sustainable procurement and environmentally responsible products with reduced packaging and lower pollution potential.
- Promote awareness among students, faculty, staff, contractors, vendors and visitors about the pathways and consequences of aquatic and marine pollution.
- Encourage research, innovation, field studies and community engagement on plastic pollution, water quality, aquatic ecosystems and source-to-sea pollution pathways.
- Support the University's commitment to SDG 14 and related sustainability goals, including responsible consumption and production.
4. Guidelines
4.1 Reduction of Plastic and Single-Use Materials
- The University shall progressively reduce unnecessary single-use plastic items in academic, administrative, residential, food-service and event activities.
- Reusable, recyclable or low-impact alternatives shall be preferred wherever technically and economically feasible.
- Plastic water bottles, disposable cups, plates, cutlery, straws, banners and other avoidable single-use materials should be minimized during university programmes and events.
- Departments and event organizers shall promote reusable water stations and refill systems wherever feasible.
4.2 Solid Waste Segregation and Litter Prevention
- The University shall maintain source segregation of biodegradable, recyclable, non-recyclable and hazardous waste in accordance with applicable regulations.
- Adequate, clearly labelled waste bins shall be provided at appropriate locations.
- Waste shall not be discharged into storm-water drains, open areas, ponds, channels or other water pathways.
- Waste collection areas shall be maintained to prevent windblown or waterborne litter.
- Recyclable plastics and other recoverable materials shall be transferred through authorized waste-management or recycling channels wherever applicable.
4.3 Wastewater and Water Pollution Prevention
- The University shall ensure that wastewater generated on campus is appropriately collected, treated and managed before discharge or reuse, as applicable.
- Storm-water drains shall be protected from the entry of solid waste, chemicals, oils and other pollutants.
- Water quality and wastewater-management systems shall be periodically inspected and maintained.
- Where feasible, treated wastewater shall be reused for appropriate non-potable purposes such as landscaping or other permitted applications.
- Any accidental discharge or leakage capable of contaminating water systems shall be reported and addressed promptly.
4.4 Chemical, Laboratory and Hazardous Waste Management
- Laboratories shall maintain appropriate procedures for the safe storage, handling and disposal of chemicals and hazardous materials.
- Chemicals, oils, paints, solvents, batteries, electronic waste and other hazardous materials shall not be poured into sinks, drains or open ground unless specifically permitted under applicable procedures.
- Hazardous and laboratory wastes shall be collected, labelled, stored and disposed of through authorized channels.
- Departments shall maintain records of significant hazardous-waste generation and disposal where required.
4.5 Sustainable Procurement and Campus Operations
- Procurement shall, where feasible, prioritize products with reduced packaging, reusable components, recycled content and lower environmental impact.
- Vendors and contractors shall be encouraged to minimize packaging waste and comply with the University's waste-management requirements.
- Food-service providers shall minimize disposable plastic items and ensure appropriate segregation and disposal of food and packaging waste.
- Construction and maintenance activities shall incorporate measures to prevent debris, sediment, oils and other materials from entering drainage systems.
4.6 Pollution Monitoring and Source Identification
- The University shall periodically identify major campus sources and pathways through which waste or pollutants could reach local drainage and aquatic systems.
- Where feasible, the University may conduct audits of plastic consumption, solid waste generation, wastewater management and pollution-prevention practices.
- GIS, remote sensing, field surveys, water-quality assessment and other scientific tools may be used for pollution mapping and environmental monitoring.
- Pollution incidents and corrective measures shall be documented for institutional review.
4.7 Awareness, Outreach and Behavioral Change
- The University shall organize awareness programmes, campaigns, lectures, exhibitions, competitions and cleanliness activities related to plastic and aquatic pollution.
- Students and staff shall be encouraged to adopt responsible consumption and waste-disposal practices.
- World Oceans Day, World Environment Day, International Coastal Cleanup-related activities and other relevant environmental observances may be used for awareness and outreach.
- Awareness programmes shall emphasize the connection between inland waste management, rivers, aquatic ecosystems and marine pollution.
4.8 Research and Academic Integration
- Faculty members and students shall be encouraged to undertake research on plastic pollution, wastewater, water quality, aquatic ecosystems, microplastics, waste management, pollution pathways and source-to-sea processes.
- Relevant topics may be integrated into teaching, fieldwork, dissertations, project work and interdisciplinary research.
- The University may support GIS- and remote-sensing-based mapping, environmental audits, citizen science and other evidence-based approaches to pollution assessment.
- Research findings relevant to campus pollution reduction shall be considered in institutional environmental planning wherever appropriate.
4.9 Collaboration and Community Engagement
- The University may collaborate with government departments, local authorities, pollution-control agencies, academic and research institutions, NGOs, waste-management organizations and community groups.
- Collaborative activities may include environmental monitoring, waste-reduction campaigns, awareness programmes, research projects, training and aquatic ecosystem conservation initiatives.
- The University may participate in or support initiatives addressing pollution in rivers, wetlands and other aquatic systems that contribute to downstream marine environments.
5. Teacher–Student Participation
Faculty members shall:
- Encourage students to participate in pollution-prevention and aquatic conservation activities.
- Integrate marine and aquatic pollution issues into relevant teaching, practical courses and field studies.
- Supervise research and student projects related to waste management, water quality, plastics and aquatic ecosystems.
- Promote environmentally responsible practices during academic events, field visits and departmental activities.
Students shall:
- Follow campus waste-segregation and pollution-prevention procedures.
- Avoid littering and improper disposal of plastic, chemicals and other waste.
- Participate in awareness campaigns, clean-up activities, surveys and research initiatives.
- Report observed pollution incidents, improper waste disposal or leakage of pollutants to the appropriate University authority.
6. Monitoring and Review
- Conduct periodic environmental or sustainability audits covering waste, plastics, wastewater and pollution-prevention practices.
- Review the implementation of source segregation and plastic-reduction measures.
- Monitor major wastewater and drainage-management systems and corrective actions.
- Maintain records of significant pollution incidents and remedial measures.
- Review awareness, training and student-participation activities annually.
- Incorporate relevant findings into annual environmental and SDG documentation.
- Review this Policy every three years or earlier if required by changes in legislation, institutional priorities or environmental conditions.
7. Accountability and Transparency
- The Estate Office, Department of Geography, Environmental Committee, Green Campus Committee and other relevant administrative or academic units shall jointly support implementation of this Policy.
- Departments and campus service providers shall comply with applicable pollution-prevention and waste-management requirements.
- Records of waste audits, pollution-prevention initiatives, awareness programmes and significant corrective actions shall be maintained in digital or appropriate institutional form.
- Key pollution-reduction initiatives and outcomes may be incorporated into the University's annual environmental report, sustainability report and SDG documentation.
- Non-compliance with University environmental procedures may invite corrective or disciplinary action in accordance with applicable University rules.
- The University shall promote transparency by making appropriate policy documents, sustainability initiatives and evidence of implementation publicly accessible wherever feasible.
8. Approval and Implementation
This Policy on Reducing Marine Pollution shall come into effect from the date of approval by the competent authority of Kalinga University, Naya Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The Policy shall apply to all students, faculty members, researchers, staff, contractors, vendors, service providers, visitors and other stakeholders associated with the University.
The Policy shall be implemented through existing University environmental, waste-management, campus-management and sustainability mechanisms and shall be aligned, as applicable, with national and state environmental legislation, pollution-control requirements and the University's sustainability commitments.
