First-year students, department heads and even the vice-chancellor got together in the first of its kind drive to sanitise an area of over 430 acres free of plastic.

The drive began early in the morning from the main building and covered the faculty premises, library, laboratories, auditoriums and the playground.

Bio-degradable waste was destroyed on the spot, while the SU has tied-up with an NGO, NEEHIR, to dispose of non-biodegradable waste. To keep the campus free of plastic waste round the year, special pits have been dug up at each faculty building.

“We involved the students so that they understand the importance of keeping the campus clean,” said Vice-Chancellor Dr Kamlesh Joshipura, who led the students, clad in a tracksuit.

Pro-Vice Chancellor Kalpak Trivedi, Registrar Gajendra Jani and head of all the departments accompanied him.

Dr Joshipura said the SU has made special arrangement for the collection of plastic waste at each department to ensure that the drive doesn't turn out to be a one-day programme.

“Apart from regular dustbins, pits have been dug up in the vicinity of all the departments. Besides, a similar drive involving teachers and students will be conducted at regular intervals,” he added.