Current Happenings ENVS News

The Department of Environmental Science and Engineering organised a field visit for first-year odd semester students as a part of their Environmental Science course (VAC-101) from October 16-20, 2023 around the vicinity of SRM University-AP campus. The students were made aware of the surrounding land-uses, their biodiversity, impacts and importance to the environment. Observations were made on different threats like pollution, plant invasion, fertilizer run-off, etc. and the students were explained what can be done as an individual and as a community to protect our resources. Practical know-hows on vegetation and water sampling were also demonstrated by different faculty members. The students returned with a heightened sense of stewardship towards environmental protection.

SRM University-AP takes pride in the achievements of its students and faculty. Dr Ghanshyam Pandey, Assistant Professor, Department of Economics and Dr Deep Raj, Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering were sanctioned a project by the Indian Council of Social Science Research, New Delhi (ICSSR). The research project titled, “PM Krishi Sinchai Yojana- A Step Ahead to Achieve Sustainable Development Goal: A Study of Select Areas of AP, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra” was sanctioned a total outlay of 16.5 Lakhs for a period of 6 months.

Abstract

Agriculture in India is dominated by smallholders. Yet only about 55% of India’s agricultural land is irrigated. The frequent occurrence of extreme climate events such as drought and heat are some of the main reasons for low agricultural productivity, food insecurity, and persistent poverty in developing nations. In this respect, irrigation plays a significant role in addressing climate change. However, irrigation costs are also very high for small-scale farmers because of their low incomes. Therefore, they do not have the resources to irrigate 100% of their land. In this context, PMKSY is a step towards resolving this problem in India and was introduced by the NDA government in 2015 by Har Khet Ko Pani. Therefore, the present study will examine the coverage, impact, adaptation and constraints of PMKSY in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.

Congratulations on this remarkable achievement!