The Banaras Hindu University (BHU) is first such university in the country that introduces environmental calendar to sensitise its students and faculties towards a safer environment.

The environmental calendar is a part of BHU’s proposed institute of environment and sustainable development for which the University Grants Commission (UGC) has allocated Rs 7.50 crore. The IESD will be the fourth institute of BHU that already has Institute of Technology (IT), Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS) and Institute of Agricultural Sciences (IAS).
“The mission of the proposed institute is to carry out teaching, research and extension relevant to India’s sustainable development,” said vice-chancellor Prof DP Singh. This educational effort will encourage changes in behaviour that will create a more sustainable future in terms of environmental integrity, economic viability and a just society for the present and future generations.
According to the V-C, the institute will work for a better understanding of critical scientific and social issues related to sustainable development goals. By doing so, the BHU is taking a lead in teaching and research in the field of environment and sustainability science. It will provide a common platform where faculty from different departments will work in interface areas leading to sustainable development.
The main research priorities set for the institute include global change and atmospheric pollution, natural resource management, sustainable agriculture, alternate energy resources and socio-economic and legal dimensions of sustainable development. The institute will contribute to inter-disciplinary education and research offering PhD, MSc, diploma and certificate programmes.