Sustaining Ecosystems – Watershed Management

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Sustaining Aquatic Ecosystems through Innovative Watershed Management

Sustaining aquatic ecosystems through watershed management is a critical focus at Centurion University of Technology and Management (CUTM). Water conservation efforts include sustainable irrigation, water harvesting and  wastewater treatment.

Irrigation Practices

Modern irrigation practices across Paralakhemundi campus, including drip irrigation, help reduce water loss, while well-connected drainage systems, both surface and sub-surface, support efficient water management. Additionally, CUTM promotes hydroponics, organic farming, and herbal gardening on its campus, contributing to sustainable agriculture.

CUTM also employs poly-house facilities for growing different crops, using drip irrigation systems to optimize water usage, resulting in increased crop yield and water savings. These strategies collectively play a significant role in maintaining the aquatic ecosystem’s sustainability on the campus.

Water harvesting at Paralakhemundi Campus

To tackle runoff water and soil erosion, five percolation tanks collect rainwater, augmenting groundwater quantity and quality. Loose boulders check dams to prevent soil erosion and other hazards, directing runoff water to percolation and storage tanks. A storage pond with a lining reduces percolation loss, storing water for various purposes, including irrigation and fish farming.

Wastewater treatment

Liquid waste generated is treated in the sewage treatment plant established in the campus and the treated water is reused for irrigation of the plants in the campus.

Sustaining Aquatic Ecosystems

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Collaborating with Local Communities to Maintain Aquatic Ecosystems

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Collaborating with Local Communities to Maintain Aquatic Ecosystems

Centurion University’s School of Fisheries actively collaborates with local communities to sustain and improve community freshwater ponds. Their initiatives include activities like weed clearance, continuous monitoring of pond conditions, consultations with fish farmers, and disease surveillance, all aimed at ensuring these ponds remain conducive for fish. These efforts not only enhance the well-being of the local community but also promote the long-term sustainability of these crucial water resources.

The School’s commitment to sustaining community ponds is further evident through fish breeding programs. These programs provide training and demonstrations to local fish farmers, supporting seed production and introducing ornamental fish farming as an additional economic opportunity. This empowers the local communities economically and ecologically.

The Rasur Lake Ranching Program addresses the seasonality of the lake by introducing new fish stock during dry months. By releasing Indian Major Carps and Exotic Major Carps, this program ensures a stable food supply for fisherfolk, with active community participation playing a vital role in its success. The School of Fisheries along with its students conducted a program of Rasur Lake Ranching on 09 September 2019 along with stakeholders and fishfolks located at Village R. Sitapur, Paralakhemundi, Gajapati Dist.

Similarly, the fingerlings of Indian Major Carps and Exotic Carps were introduced to the Ram Sagar Reservoir and Sita Sagar Reservoir on 15 October 2019 in collaboration with the State Fisheries Department for enhancing fish production located at Paralakhemundi, Gajapati Dist. along with stakeholders and fishermen.

Centurion University’s School of Fisheries is deeply dedicated to preserving aquatic ecosystems and supporting local fishing communities through activities like biodiversity restoration, water quality monitoring, and pollution awareness. Their efforts ensure sustainable fish access and contribute to the long-term environmental well-being of these essential water resources.

Collaborating with Local Community to Maintain Aquatic Ecosystems

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Stewardship Practices

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Promoting Aquatic Stewardship Practices

Centurion University actively promotes good aquatic stewardship practices through awareness programs, education, and outreach initiatives. They engage with local communities and fishermen to encourage sustainable fishing practices, prevent invasive species introduction, and advocate for responsible resource utilization including the reduction of pesticide use.

Organization of awareness programs

CUTM’s School of Fisheries has undertaken numerous awareness programs since 2018-19  to promote water conservation and reduce water contamination in the nearby villages of Paralakhemundi, Gajapati, Odisha.

Following notions were discussed during the programs:

  • Prevent water pollution in nearby aquatic areas.
  • Conserve water by turning off taps when not needed to prevent shortages and reduce the need for treating contaminated water.
  • Dispose of paints, oils, and other pollutants properly; opt for eco-friendly household products.
  • Use pesticides and fertilizers cautiously to avoid runoff into water sources.
  • Plant more greenery in your garden to prevent runoff of pollutants.
  • Clear weeds and unwanted aquatic plants from local ponds and reservoirs.
Figure 1: Cleaning Weeds

Centurion University of Technology and Management (CUTM) has organized an awareness program for the prevention of Antibiotics and Chemical applications in ponds and reservoirs by organizing Kisan Mela (Farmer’s Agri Fair) and other such endeavours. 

  1. As a part of Gajajyoti festival, a Kisan Mela was organized on 3rd March, 2020 in which the School of Fisheries put stalls and exhibited tableau shows along with different schools. The theme of tableau was “Way towards Blue Economy and Food Security” which emphasized the need of increasing fish productivity. Farmers from different parts of the state were invited on this occasion in which they visited various stalls and interacted with Subject Matter Specialists.
  2. School of Fisheries with M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture of the University had organized Utkal Krishi Mela from 10th-11th March 2022, in collaboration with Krishi Jagran, New Delhi. The theme of the Mela was “Exploring the Unexplored Affluent Agri Odisha”.

 

Centurion University of Technology and Management (CUTM) plays an important role in the prevention of Invasive fish culture like Tilapia, Thai Magur, American catfish, and more.  

The potential risk not only affects the quality or level of biodiversity but also the socio-economic aspects of the human community that depend on aquatic ecosystems for their livelihood. The indiscriminate and unmonitored entry and transfer of the exotic species is particularly alarming, raising several concerns including producing hybrids by crossing with indigenous fish species and thus contaminating the fish germplasm.

CUTM also promotes the use of organic manure in the fish culture pond to prevent water pollution using chemicals such as antibiotics. 

Prevention of use of Antibiotics and Chemical applications:

Antibiotics are compounds, either natural or synthetic, with the ability to kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms. When these antibiotics are safe for the host, they serve as essential chemotherapeutic agents for treating infectious diseases in humans, animals, and plants. They have long played a pivotal role in the battle against microorganisms in the environment.

Fish and shrimp farmers frequently employ antibiotics to prevent diseases in aquatic systems. However, the excessive use of antibiotics and chemicals can harm aquatic ecosystems. Centurion University of Technology and Management (CUTM) has taken proactive steps to reduce the application of antibiotics and chemicals in ponds and reservoirs. This includes organizing events such as Kishan Mela and other initiatives.

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Monitoring Aquatic Ecosystems

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Monitoring the Health of Aquatic Ecosystems

Fish health surveillance: 

In view of Covid- 19, Surveillance programme was not taken up for the period from 2020 to 2022. So no data is available. However, we have initiated the surveillance for health monitoring from 2023 onwards.

Figure 1: Places of fish Surveillance Programme organized by Centurion University of Technology and Management

 Fish health surveillance and monitoring area: 

Surveillance Programme is being done by the School of Fisheries, Centurion University of Technology and Management at nearby ponds and Ramsagar reservoir to know the disease types throughout the year.

 Table: Disease Surveillance Report (Average for each month)

Months of Sampling

Species affected

Bacterial Disease

Viral Disease

Parasitic Disease

Fungal Disease

Non-Infectious Disease

March 2019

Nil

No

No

No

No

No

April 2019

Nil

No

No

No

No

No

May 2019

Nil

No

No

No

No

No

June 2019

Rohu

No

No

White gill spot

No

No

July 2019

Rohu

No

No

White gill spot

No

No

August 2019

Rohu, Catla, Mrigal, Common Carp

No

No

Argulosis

No

No

September2019

Catla, Rohu

Ulceration

No

No

No

No

October2019

Catla, Rohu

Ulceration

No

No

No

No

November 2019

Catla, Rohu

Ulceration

No

No

No

No

December2019

Catla, Rohu

Ulceration

No

No

No

No

January 2020

Rohu, Catla, Silver carp

Ulceration, Finrot & tail rot

No

No

No

No

February 2020

Rohu, Catla,  Silver carp

Ulceration, Finrot & tail rot

No

No

No

No

Web link:

http://research.centurionuniv.edu.in/courses/center-for-aquaculture-and-fish-processing-technology/

Monitoring of water quality 

The physical and chemical parameters of water viz., temperature, pH, DO, free CO2 , NH3 , water hardness and alkalinity were monitored at fortnightly in order to check the health status of the aquatic system. The details of the study have been represented in tabular form. The water quality parameter is analysed by the students as a part of their curriculum.

Table: Physicochemical Parameter for Ramsagar Reservoir (Average)

Water quality parameters

Range

Temperature (0C)

29.66 ± 1.45a

pH

8.52  ±.0.35a

Dissolved oxygen (mgl-1)

8.23 ± 0.27a

Free Carbon dioxide (mgl-1)

0.63 ± 0.052a

Total ammonia – N (mgl-1)

0.05 ± 0.001b

Nitrite – N (mgl-1)

0.06 ± 0.003b

Nitrate – N (mgl-1)

1.63 ± 0.08a

Hardness (mgl-1)

65.33 ± 1.66a

Alkalinity (mgl-1)

98.41      ± 1.50a

Courses designed for water quality monitoring and aquaculture 

  1. Domain course offered to students

Course title: Domain Track Title: Intensive Aquaculture

Web Link: http://courseware.centurionuniv.edu.in/courses/11961/

Domain Track Objectives:

  1. To enable students to gain practical experience in industry-specific procedures.
  2. To provide students with a good understanding of how the various aspects of water quality affecting aquaculture.
  3. To provide an understanding of managing stock levels in an aquaculture setting.
  4. To develop students’ experience of collation, presentation and interpretation of data collated during applied study.

A number of Practical experiments are done to measure water quality parameters

  1. Water quality estimation (pH and Temperature, Alkalinity)
  2. Water quality estimation (Hardness)
  3. Water quality estimation (Dissolved Oxygen)
  4. Water quality estimation (Ammonia and Nitrate)
  5. Water quality estimation (Phosphate and Chloride)
  6. Working out the economic feasibility of construction and maintenance of different fish production systems

Thus, students are involved in monitoring water quality.

A number of Practical experiments are done for Biofloc generation

  1. Biofloc generation and management methods through Natural method
  2. Biofloc generation through Biological method,
  3. Biofloc generation through Inoculation method
  4. Biofloc generation through Probiotic method
  5. Carbon nitrogen ratio maintenance
  6. Importance of feed reduction
  7. Suitable Carbon sources Identification
  8. Qualitative measurement of biofloc
  9. Quantitative analysis of biofloc,
  10. Maintaining Biofloc culture system
  11. Feed and Heath Management in Biofloc System
  12. Microbial Quantification
  13. Microscopy in bacterial identification

Thus, students are involved in the Biofloc culture system. 

  1. Biofloc technology

Web Link: http://courseware.centurionuniv.edu.in/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/C18.pdf

Biofloc is a protein rich macro aggregate of organic material and macro-organism including diatoms, bacteria, protozoa, algae, fecal pellets, remaining of dead organisms and other invertebrates.  CUTM is involved in research related to both brown and green flocs.

Figure 2: Biofloc Technology

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Minimizing Alterations in Aquatic Ecosystems

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Aquatic Ecosystem Conservation - University’s Plan to Prevent Harmful Alterations in the Aquatic Ecosystems

Centurion University of Technology and Management (CUTM) actively has a plan to minimize physical, chemical, and biological alterations of related aquatic ecosystems.

Ramsagar Reservoir – weed management and biological control program since June 2018-19.

They focus on sustainable development and environmental conservation, particularly at Ramsagar Reservoir, Paralakhemundi, Gajapati Dist. (18o 46’ 53” N Lat. and 84o 07’ 09”E Long.). This natural ecosystem faced issues like the infestation of aquatic weeds, including Water Hyacinth, Giant Salvinia, and water cabbage. To combat this, CUTM conducts regular collection of these aquatic weeds and also introduced Grass carp as a biological control to protect the aquatic ecosystem. Additionally, the university addresses invasive alien species of flora and fauna, ensuring that the introduction and spread of such species do not threaten the region’s biological diversity.

Teaching and research on aquatic ecosystem conservation

CUTM also offers relevant courses on water and soil quality management, aquatic pollution, and intensive aquaculture to educate students about maintaining the quality and sustainability of aquatic ecosystems. The establishment of the Center for Aquaculture and Fish Processing Technology further supports research and activities related to aquatic ecosystem conservation, including ornamental aquaculture, biofloc aquaculture, and the development of species-specific feeds and health products for improved fish wellbeing. These initiatives align with the university’s plan to minimize physical, chemical, and biological alterations of aquatic ecosystems.

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Marine Pollution

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Preventing Marine Pollution

The University is committed to environmental safety. It adheres to all established legislations of the Government of India and other international bodies. Various acts help prevent pollution such as the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and other resources. The University follows all the Government guidelines to prevent pollution. The University is located close to the coast of Odisha and also it has many students and employees across its different campuses. Commonly all organic and inorganic wastes are disposed of to water bodies, and it has severe negative effects for both aquatic ecosystem and human because of biomagnification. The University has a standard operating procedure in handling wastes such that it does not pollute the environment and in particular the marine environment.

Execution

The University adheres to the following to ensure the marine and other ecosystem does not get polluted:

  • The University has an inclusive environment with all waste management facilities.
  • The University follows a policy of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle, and as a part of that food waste is recycled into organic manure thus minimizing any risks to the population residing in the campus and its surroundings.
  • Through its waste to wealth infrastructure, A. used paper is utilized to create a new white paper. B. The waste cotton materials are used to make eco-friendly products like a paper plate, paper bowel, etc. C. The food and kitchen waste obtained from the university are utilized in a beautiful way to maintain biodiversity. These are converted into bio compost/biofertilizers. Ultimately at last the plants of the university are grown by organic fertilizer. D. The university is producing biogas from cow dung and plant waste.
  • The university is utilizing agricultural runoff by disinfecting the same to reduce water pollution.
  • The university has STP unit where the total wastewater of the university has been managed and the processed sedimented material in the STP unit is used in vermicomposting (Water prevention and control of pollution Act 1974)
  • The University adheres to Solid Waste Management Rules 2016, Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules 2021, and E-Waste (Management) Amendment Rules, 2018.

The above all enables the University that wastes are handled in a way of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle mode. None of the land-generated wastes from the University are disposed of in any marine or freshwater bodies.

Prevention of contamination of water from land:

  • At CUTM chemical pesticides are avoided.
  • The use of chemical fertilizers is minimized and bio-fertilizers are used.
  • Cleaning of water bodies is done for weeds, plastics, etc.
  • Hazardous wastes are disposed of through expert agencies who follow government rules for waste disposal strictly.

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Plastic Waste Reduction

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Reduction of Plastic Waste on Campus

Ban on Single Use Plastic Policy

  • All the campuses are made free of single-use plastic.
  • All the shopkeepers, staff and students are encouraged to use paper bags and cloth bags.
  • Student projects and start-ups using waste plastics have been supported and promoted.

Events and Activities to Promote the Ban of Plastic Consumption

Centurion University has a Research Centre for Waste to Wealth Management that focuses on innovative waste management solutions, including plastic waste reduction. They are actively involved in recycling plastic waste to produce construction materials like paving blocks. Additionally, the University conducts webinars and awareness programs related to plastic waste management.

The Research Centre for Waste to Wealth Management comprises a team of faculty and research scholars from different disciplines. Waste management is aligned with the 5-Rs – Rethink, Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle and the Research Centre for Waste-to-Wealth Management explores innovative waste management solutions to treat waste towards producing useful recycled  materials, generate energy and create valuable resources. One of the subunits the centre focuses upon is the Plastic Waste Management where in the plastic waste is utilized to produce construction materials.

Pavement Blocks Manufacturing Process: 

Making of high-strength Paver blocks from different plastic wastes. Plastic waste is produced inside the campus from various sources. Our objective is to utilize these super-strength materials and explore their strength to make new materials. The paver blocks are made from waste plastics by our research centre.  

The Pavement blocks are prepared at the CUTM campus in various shapes such as dumb-bell, square, zigzag, hexagonal, and kerb stone whereas the dumbbell and square shape blocks are having a thickness of 60mm and zigzag and hexagonal 80mm. For this M30 grade of concrete is used with cement 15%, coarse aggregate at 55%, fine aggregate (sand) at 29%, and shredded waste plastic at 1%. For manufacturing this block, first, all the ingredients are fed to the concrete mixture in dry condition and mixed properly. After that, the required amount of water is added to the dry mix in the concrete mixture, and run the mixture for a few minutes to confirm the homogeneous mix of the entire fraction of materials later removed from it.

Workshops and Webinars

  • Centurion University participated in NITI Aayog – UNDP 3rd Regional Workshop on “Urban Plastic Waste Management” – March 2022

https://research.centurionuniv.edu.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Waste-to-Wealth-Management.pdf (Page 28)

  • The Research Centre for Waste to Wealth Management in collaboration with the Department  of Chemistry, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha organized a  webinar on “Wealth Creation through Plastic Waste Management” for “National  Pollution Prevention Day” – December 2022.

https://research.centurionuniv.edu.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Waste-to-Wealth-Management.pdf (Page 32)

  • Centurion University conducted a webinar on “Innovative Approaches Towards Plastic Waste Management” – June 2021”.

https://research.centurionuniv.edu.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Waste-to-Wealth-Management.pdf (Page 36)

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Water Quality Standards and Guidelines

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Water Management at the University

Based on the information provided, Centurion University of Technology and Management (CUTM) actively upholds water quality standards and implements various initiatives to conserve water bodies, protect ecosystems, wildlife, and human health and welfare.

Water Quality Standards and Initiatives

CUTM complies with local and national regulations regarding water quality, following guidelines established by government acts such as the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974 (https://cpcb.nic.in/upload/home/water-pollution/WaterAct-1974.pdf).

These standards cover microbiological contaminants, chemical contaminants, physical parameters, radiological contaminants, etc. The University ensures that its water sources, treatment processes, and distribution systems meet these standards to provide safe drinking water for its students, staff, and faculty.

To prevent water pollution and conserve water resources, CUTM organizes awareness programs in nearby villages (https://docs.google.com/document/d/18G4ngZeJibEZJ7cfiKFUkBa546-NxX3L/edit).

These programs emphasize responsible water management practices, including the cautious use of pesticides and fertilizers, proper disposal of pollutants
(https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pVZl1fUbUZmqmlJPLdS5rXhjpMXeYmXn/edit), and the removal of aquatic weeds (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XiIsiUJc6uK33GitbNk4rJ6by3PKWodN/edit).

The university actively discourages the use of antibiotics and chemicals in fish culture ponds, promoting
organic alternatives and sustainable farming practices.
(https://docs.google.com/document/d/1n93mCbZQnJFuoecunQW6gNCPJY33v3uD/edit)

Preventing Marine Pollution and Land Contamination:

CUTM is committed to environmental safety and adheres to established legislations to prevent marine pollution. The University follows a comprehensive waste management policy (https://centurionuniv.edu.in/wp-content/uploads/AQAR/7/3.-Environmental-audit.pdf / https://centurionuniv.edu.in/wp-content/uploads/About/rules-and-policies/Green-Policy-.pdf), focusing on reduce, recycle and reuse. Food waste is recycled into organic manure, and agricultural runoff is disinfected to minimize water pollution. The University’s Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) processes wastewater, ensuring that land-generated wastes are not disposed of in water bodies. Chemical pesticides are avoided, and hazardous wastes are disposed of through expert agencies following government rules https://www.npcindia.gov.in/NPC/Files/delhiOFC/EM/Hazardous-waste-management-rules-2016.pdf.

Figure: Sewage Treatment Plant

Sustaining Ecosystems and Biodiversity:

CUTM’s School of Fisheries actively engages in initiatives to conserve biodiversity and sustain aquatic ecosystems. The university operates butterfly, bees, and cactus gardens to support local biodiversity, and it undertakes efforts to restore the ecological balance of Ramsagar reservoir. These initiatives involve fish ranching, managing invasive species, and collaborating with local communities to maintain fish-friendly pond conditions. The University’s commitment to community pond sustainability includes fish breeding programs, empowering local fish farmers and supporting economic opportunities through ornamental fish farming.

In conclusion, Centurion University of Technology and Management actively upholds water quality standards, implements various initiatives to prevent water pollution, conserves biodiversity, and collaborates with local communities to sustain aquatic ecosystems. Through these efforts, the University contributes significantly to the protection of ecosystems, wildlife, and human health and welfare.

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Preserve Aquatic Ecosystems

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Preservation of Aquatic Ecosystems

The School of Fisheries at Centurion University of Technology and Management is actively involved in the development and promotion of sustainable fisheries and aquaculture technologies, with a strong emphasis on conserving and responsibly utilizing aquatic resources. Their efforts directly contribute to the prevention and reduction of harm to aquatic ecosystems, and here are some key activities:

  1. Captive Breeding of Indian Major Carp:

The school is dedicated to the captive breeding of native fish species since June 2022, particularly Indian Major Carp in Circular Carp Hatchery Unit (CIFA- Model). This practice is essential for restoring wild populations and safeguarding endangered fish species. It involves breeding these fish in controlled environments using wild fish parents. These endeavors play a critical role in preserving the biodiversity of aquatic ecosystems and averting the decline of these species.

Figure: Captive Breeding

  1. Fish Waste Utilization:

With the increasing global production of fish, there is a growing amount of waste generated in the form of non-edible fish parts. The school acknowledges the importance of recycling these byproducts to both add value to waste and reduce environmental pollution. By converting fish waste into valuable products such as fish silage, they mitigate the environmental impact of discarded materials. This practice significantly contributes to the prevention of damage to ecosystems.

  1. Fish Meal Production:

Fish meal is a highly nutritious ingredient used in animal diets, particularly in domestic animal feed. Traditionally, it is produced from small marine fish and contains essential nutrients. By producing fish meal from seafood byproducts, the school promotes resource efficiency and the sustainable use of fishery resources. This reduces the need to catch additional fish for the same purpose, ultimately aiding in the preservation of aquatic ecosystems.

Figure: Fish Meal Prepared by CUTM

These initiatives underscore the School’s strong commitment to sustainable practices in fisheries and aquaculture. Through collaboration with organizations like ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, they further enhance their research and knowledge dissemination efforts. Ultimately, their work contributes to the protection of aquatic ecosystems and the responsible utilization of aquatic resources.

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Sustain Ecosystems and Biodiversity

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Sustaining Aquatic Ecosystems and Their Biodiversity

Conserving Biodiversity at Ramsagar

Ramasagar is a critical water source for Paralakhemundi and nearby villages, serving drinking and irrigation needs and sustaining the local fishing industry. However, urbanization, resource exploitation, and domestic waste pollution have adversely impacted the reservoir’s fish biodiversity and catch. To address these challenges, the School of Fisheries at Centurion University is actively working to restore the ecological balance of Ramsagar.

Restoring Ecosystem: Balance through Ranching

The school’s fish rearing unit has reared fingerlings of catla, rohu, and amur carp for a ranching program in Ramsagar reservoir by releasing around 25,000 fingerlings with a water spread area of around 250 acres in collaboration with state fisheries department. Ranching, a form of artificial recruitment, involves nurturing fish in a controlled environment until they reach a suitable size, then releasing them into the reservoir to enhance fish populations, production, and ecological equilibrium. Further, the ranching programme was organized by releasing 6,000 fingerlings in the Rasur Lake with a water spread area of around 5 acres which is around 3 km from the institute.

Managing Invasive Species

The school is committed to sustainable development and selected Ramsagar reservoir for restoring a natural ecosystem. Invasive alien species have disrupted the wetland ecosystem. The school has conducted a fish biodiversity study, revealing various infestations. To combat these issues, the School has introduced biological controls, conducts bi-weekly collections and has found long-term solutions for the infestations.

Sustaining Ecosystems and Their Biodiversity

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