IAS officer Vijaya Krishnan transforms schools into net zero campuses in Andhra Pradesh
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IAS officer Vijaya Krishnan launched an initiative in the Anakapalli district of Andhra Pradesh to convert schools and hostels into net zero campuses.
Krishnan designed a framework that integrates environmental responsibility into the daily routines of educational institutions. The plan focuses on waste management by composting wet kitchen waste for vegetable gardens and sending dry recyclables to local collectors. To manage liquid waste, the administration installed soak pits to treat grey water and protect local groundwater.
The district administration conducted scientific audits to measure electricity use, gas consumption, and tree canopy coverage. To reduce carbon footprints, they installed rooftop solar panels and solar cookers in kitchens. The schools also switched to energy efficient lighting and appliances to lower baseline power waste. To increase green cover, the administration used rural employment scheme funds to plant approximately seventy thousand trees across the participating campuses. They also built rainwater harvesting structures to maximize groundwater recharge.
Krishnan coordinated these efforts by partnering with the Panchayat Raj Department and technical survey teams to ensure the projects remain financially viable for local schools. The program includes training for principals and wardens to ensure long term success. The initiative aims to turn waste segregation and resource conservation into autonomous habits for students. This approach seeks to move beyond temporary changes for inspections toward a permanent shift in student behavior.
