Dharti Mitra: A Story of Sustainability at YIMS
Dharti Mitra, meaning “Friend of the Earth” is a flagship initiative of YIMS that reflects the institution’s deep-rooted commitment to sustainability, ecological responsibility, and the preservation of natural resources. Inspired by India’s cultural ethos of treating the Earth as a living entity, Dharti Mitra has transformed YIMS into a model green campus, recognized by the University of Calicut for its eco-sensitive practices. Spanning 22.5 acres of lush greenery, the campus is not just a sanctuary for biodiversity but also a living laboratory where students and staff actively engage in hands-on environmental education. This initiative embodies YIMS’s vision of fostering a culture of sustainability while minimizing its ecological footprint, making it a distinctive example of institutional responsibility and innovation.
At the core of Dharti Mitra lies the mission to nurture environmentally conscious citizens. YIMS achieves this through immersive programs that integrate environmental awareness, education, and practical applications into the daily lives of its students, faculty, and staff. The initiative adopts a multi-faceted approach, encompassing organic farming, renewable energy, waste management, water conservation, and biodiversity preservation. These efforts are not just institutional achievements but seeds sown for a lasting legacy, shaping the present and future of the students and the wider community.
One of the most distinctive aspects of Dharti Mitra is its focus on organic farming, which serves as both an environmental initiative and an educational platform. YIMS has replaced synthetic fertilizers and pesticides with organic mulching techniques, ensuring healthier soil, environmental protection, and the production of nutrient-rich food. A variety of vegetables, including brinjal, pumpkin, cucumber, and cauliflower, are cultivated using grow bags and road kerbs. Additionally, specialized herbal and medicinal gardens foster plant appreciation among students and visitors. The campus also features a one-hectare bamboo farm with 13 species, including rare varieties like Thyrostatic Oliveri and Dinochloa Andamanica.
Complementing its organic farming efforts, YIMS has established a dairy and poultry farm that enhances its self-sustaining ecosystem. The farm rears over 10 local cattle breeds, including Gir, Sahiwal, and Kasargod Kullan, and dedicates 4.5 acres of grassland to cattle fodder. Hens and ducks are also reared, providing a steady supply of eggs. The produce from these farms—milk, ghee, curd, and butter—is supplied to the campus community at subsidized rates, with surplus sold to the local community. These initiatives not only promote sustainable agriculture but also generate additional income, making the campus a model of economic and environmental sustainability.
YIMS’s commitment to sustainability is further exemplified by its renewable energy initiatives, which have made it a 100% solar-powered campus. Rooftop solar PV units, with capacity of 125 KW. These systems feed excess energy back into the KSEBL grid, reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources. As part of MoU, YIMS and MES ITI, Mundur jointly hosted a workshop on “Solar Energy and Sustainable Development”. Solar thermal water heaters with a capacity of 300 liters per day heat water to 85°C, while steam cooking systems efficiently prepare large quantities of food. Energy-efficient lighting, including LEDs and BLDC fans, further minimizes energy consumption. The campus also promotes sustainable transportation through EV charging points, bicycles, and carpooling initiatives. As a result, YIMS has achieved an impressively low carbon footprint of 0.149tons CO₂ per capita, compared to the national average of 1.9tons.
Water conservation is a cornerstone of the Dharti Mitra initiative. YIMS has implemented a rainwater harvesting system that collects 10.10 lakh liters of water annually, ensuring a sustainable water supply for the campus. Three RO plants, each with a capacity of 250 liters per hour, purify water for irrigation and cattle farming. Sprinkler irrigation systems are used to conserve water in grass cultivation, further enhancing the campus’s water efficiency.
YIMS’s approach to waste management is equally commendable. The campus operates two biogas plants with capacities of 15m³ and 3m³, which fuel canteen stoves while producing residue used as manure for vegetable cultivation. A 1.5 lakh liters-per-day sewage treatment plant recycles water for irrigation, ensuring no resource goes to waste. Partnerships with recycling platforms like KOTTA and Warrierz IT Solutions to ensure responsible e-waste management.
Biodiversity preservation is a key focus of Dharti Mitra. The 22.5-acre campus is home to 68 tree species, which collectively sequester 997.86 tons of carbon, with an annual sequestration rate of 9.37 tons. Green building designs, including green roofs and spaces, further enhance the campus’s ecological balance.
The success of Dharti Mitra is evident in its tangible outcomes. The organic farming initiative not only meets the needs of the campus community but also benefits the local community by providing fresh, pesticide-free produce at subsidized rates. Bamboo sales support local artisans, including the Kavara community, and have previously been sold to the Bamboo Board. The dairy and poultry farms generate additional income, with cow dung sales alone contributing approximately ₹50,000 per month. Renewable energy initiatives have significantly reduced the campus’s carbon footprint, while water and waste management systems ensure efficient resource use.
YIMS’s efforts have been recognized through numerous awards, including the Green Campus Award from OISCA (2023-24), the Green Nature Award from Christ College (2022-23), and the Ksheera Karshaka Award for excellence in dairy farming (2022). Certified as Green Institution by Haritha Keralam Mission, Govt. Of Kerala in 2025. In 2025, YIMS also won a reel-making competition organized by the Higher Education Department of Kerala, further highlighting its commitment to environmental education and awareness.
Looking ahead, YIMS aims to expand its green horizons by collaborating on more projects and sustainability education initiatives. The institution envisions a future where every Yuvakshetrian embodies the principles of Dharti Mitra, contributing to a healthier planet and a sustainable future. Dharti Mitra is more than just an initiative; it is a way of life at YIMS. Through its comprehensive approach to environmental stewardship, the institution has created a self-sustaining ecosystem that serves as a model for others.