Work minus stress at UJVNL’s green campus
By PRABEER SIKDAR
DEHRADUN, 13 June 2009: Known for harnessing water to generate power, the sprawling five–acre campus of the Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd (UJVNL) near Ballupur Chowk is a shift to its choice of traditional renewable energy sources. Since 2003, the campus’ pathways are being lit up every night by 36 solar street lamps!
This, however, is not just the only 'green' feature here. Here and there in the campus are various species of tall trees: 142 mango, 80 litchi, 63 guava, banana and Sagwan. “This year, we are planning to plant 50 Neem trees inside the campus,” said Vinay Mishra, Manager (Administration & Security), adding that plans were afoot to request some of the 250 employees working, here, to take responsibility for each sapling.
Said to be the brainchild of the founding CMD of UJVNL, the litter free and rich green cover at the campus not only provides a stress free environment for the 250 senior level employees, but is also a preferred choice for winged visitors all through the year. At many places, water bowls have been put in place to let avian members get a respite from the scorching temperature.
“Their numbers increase during winter,” added Vinay.
Situated just a stone's throw away from the chaotic traffic at Ballupur Chowk, the UJVNL Campus came into being at a place where there previously stood an orchard. “It was then known as Maharani Bagh -- a litchi and mango orchard,” said Mishra, recalling that during the construction of the building in 2003, for every tree cut, they planted four more. This rule is still followed here.
As a result, the scenic place, which is sometimes also used for official get togethers and farewell parties, has a positive impact on the work culture. “We never feel burnt out as the atmosphere always remains cool and calm,” feels BCK Mishra, Director (Operations).While there is a planned growth of trees in the front portion of the campus, there is thick growth of vegetation on the left side, where there are innumerable fruit trees and also home to many wild creatures.
Due to the abundance of fruit bearing trees, UJVNL, interestingly, also earns some money. “Every year, we invite bids for fruit plucking and maintenance of trees,” informed Vinay, pointing out that, on an average, they earn around Rs 20,000 and above, varying from season to season.
Though the shady cover is a convenient place for yoga and meditation classes, nothing of the sort has happened, as yet. Nevertheless, the green campus, which is better maintained than the State Forest Headquarters, is a welcome change for any state owned entity in the city. But, are other government owned institutions ready to replicate the UJVNL campus experiment?
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