Projects

The division is currently involved in several impactful projects. The ongoing project “Net Zero SN Puram Grama Panchayath” focuses on technical and scientific contributions to the AFLU sector. The completed project “Water Biota – Conservation of Microbial Biodiversity in Inland Water,” supported by the Kerala State Biodiversity Board, aimed to enhance biodiversity awareness. The “Shastra Sameeksha 2023” program fostered scientific curiosity among school students, while the OLOI project addressed environmental degradation and impact assessment. Additionally, a drip irrigation project for the IRTC fruit garden was executed to promote water conservation practices

Associated projects

The division is associated in projects focusing on various aspects of environmental management and technical contributions. The SC/SC skill-based training project emphasizes water management and conservation. Supported Biotech KISAN hub centre on coco bean separating machine project, funded by BIRAC, involves biotechnology contributions. The division also drafted 15 success stories for the NABARD project, highlighting natural resource management. Lastly, a reappraisal of the Green Climate Fund project aims to enhance climate resilience and mitigate climate change impacts in the Palakkad gap of the Western Ghats, focusing on scientific literature structuring and technical documentation.

STEM Exposure Visits

A series of STEM (Science, Technology, Environment, and Management) exposure visits to enhance educational experiences for students, academicians, professionals, and farmers in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. These visits involved a total of 284 students across various subjects. Activities included a workshop on microbes in waste management for M.Sc Microbiology students, sessions on Environment and Green Chemistry for M.Sc Chemistry students, Environment and Trade for B.Com BPS students, and Net Zero and Carbon Credits for B.Com CMA students. The exposure also focused on Environment Sociology, a one-day workshop on energy conservation for Physics students and a workshop on Water Quality Analysis was also held for Chemistry students.

Inhouse and Shelf Projects

Actively pursuing several in-house and shelf projects aimed at sustainable development. The Biohythane project focuses on generating hydrogen-enriched biogas through a hybrid system that combines a microbial electrolytic cell with solar power, enhancing convenience for local communities. The Carbon Sequestration and Resource Recovery project addresses rising CO₂ levels through CCUS technology, utilizing industrial waste brine for cost-effective CO₂ sequestration. Additionally, water conservation activities are being implemented on the IRTC campus, alongside studies on lignocellulose degradation and soil carbon improvement through the Biotech KISAN Hub Centre. Lastly, the division is developing sensors for real-time monitoring of water, wastewater, and biogas, leveraging IoT tools for improved environmental management.

Internships and Projects

The Environment Division is overseeing several internships and projects focused on various aspects of environmental management and biotechnology. The specif topics are Instrumentations and Lab Quality Management System, Crop Residue Biomass Composting Innovations, Biotechnology for Sustainable Development, Environmental Chemistry and Its Application. A student project on analyzing the growth and protein content of Black Soldier Fly larvae fed on different waste substrates, with guidance from faculty across the division.

Extended academic activity

The Environment Division organized several extended academic activities, including four invited talks on sustainable practices in waste management at various events, such as the National Level Technical Symposium at Royal Engineering College and a webinar by the Integrated Civil Engineers Council. Dr. Hanish Mohammed C.H conducted a workshop on domestic waste management for Saint Gobain employees on World Environment Day. Additionally, a five-day UNICEF Training of Trainers program on the safety of sanitation workers was completed, along with two AICTE-ATAL Faculty Development Programs focused on valorization of agro residues and geo-environmental aspects of engineered landfills. A one-day workshop on Foldscope assemblage was also held for four teachers from a local primary school. Furthermore, the division participated in the KDISC Zero Waste Hackathon, developing the KISAN Mithra cabin with innovative materials.

Webinars attended

Dr. Hanish Mohammed C.H has actively participated in a range of webinars covering critical environmental topics. He attended the IWA Young Water Professional India Chapter’s session on “Advanced Anaerobic Digestion of Sludge” and several United Nations webinars addressing various themes, including wetlands and human well-being, biosaline agriculture, land degradation, and tech-enhanced land restoration. Additionally, he engaged in discussions on climate resilience and sustainable aviation fuels hosted by Reuters, focusing on investments in technology to combat the climate crisis and securing hydrogen off-take for projects. His participation in the NSF-DST Call for Proposals webinar highlights research in environmental science.

Skill Enhancement

Dr. Hanish Mohammed C.H has enhanced his skills through two significant courses. He completed a certification in “Water Audit and Wastewater Management in Industries” from the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), which equipped him with vital knowledge for managing water resources effectively in industrial settings. Additionally, he participated in the course “Nature-Based Solutions for Disaster and Climate Resilience,” developed by experts from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Partnership for Environment and Disaster Risk Reduction (PEDRR), with support from the European Union and collaboration with the SDG Academy. This course provided him with insights into sustainable practices for enhancing resilience against climate-related challenges.

Project proposals Submitted and in progress

1. A Project Proposal on Conservation and improvement of traditional skills and indigenous knowledge of Cholanaikkans through STI solutions submitted to Division: SEED, Scheme: ACCELERATED DEVELOPMENT OF PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE TRIBAL GROUPS (PVTGS). The expert committee meeting has been attended at Assam Downtown University, Guwahati, Assam.

The proposal has been deferred by the committee, pending visit of 2 Expert Committee members to analyse the feasibility of project. Waiting for the date of visit. The Investigators are Dr Uma J Vinod and Dr Veena George M.

2. A project proposal on “A preliminary study on ecological determinants of Wetland bird assemblage in Chandragiri River, Kasaragod – through Geospatial technology “submitted to Kerala State Authority of Wetland. The project has been presented and revised as per the expert committee. The revised project has been submitted. The Investigators are Dr Uma J Vinod & Dr Veena George M.

Dr. Hanish Mohammed C.H, Senior Scientist, Environment Division, IRTC, Detailing the AFLOU Sector of SN Puram Net Zero Project on Inauguration  

Workshop on “Substructure Design and Modern Foundation Practices” on environment and land management. Faculties Prof. MURARI K Geotechnical Engineering, Dr. Biju MS Assistant Professor, and Dr. S. Smitha, Geo Technical Engineering

STEM Exposure visit PSG college students and Faculties, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu @IRTC