Policies

1. Introduction

Noakhali Science and Technology University (NSTU) is committed to protecting aquatic ecosystems, safeguarding water resources, and reducing pollution from campus operations. This strategy outlines institutional policies and action plans designed to uphold water quality, prevent marine pollution, minimise ecosystem alterations, encourage sustainable water reuse, and implement watershed management tailored to local aquatic biodiversity. The strategy aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation) and Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14: Life Below Water).

2. Water Quality Standards and Guidelines

NSTU maintains strict water quality standards to ensure all water discharged from laboratories, dormitories, canteens, and administrative facilities meets national environmental regulations.

Key Measures

• Pre-treatment of laboratory effluents to remove chemicals, biological waste, and hazardous materials prior to discharge.
• Routine testing of pH, turbidity, microbial load, and chemical contaminants.
• Guidelines for safe disposal of research chemicals, reagents, and wastewater in accordance with Department of Environment (DoE) standards.
• Regular inspection and maintenance of drainage systems to prevent contamination of nearby canals, wetlands, and aquatic ecosystems.

3. Water Reuse Policy

NSTU maximises water reuse across the campus as part of its commitment to sustainable water management.

Key Measures

• This policy applies to all water-use areas, including laboratories, academic buildings, residential halls, canteens, and landscaped spaces, and contributes to reduced freshwater extraction and improved resource efficiency.
• Rainwater is harvested and stored in the campus lake for year-round use, reducing groundwater dependency.
• Greywater from washrooms, kitchens, and laboratories is treated and reused for irrigation, flushing, and landscaping.
• All new infrastructure incorporates water reuse systems aligned with Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC) 2020 requirements.
• Contractors, suppliers, and project consultants must adhere to all technical and environmental specifications required for water reuse implementation.

4. Marine Pollution Prevention Policy

NSTU enforces a strict policy to prevent and reduce marine pollution, particularly from land-based activities affecting local rivers, canals, and the Bay of Bengal.

Policy Commitments

• Complete prohibition of dumping solid waste, including plastics, oils, laboratory residues, and chemicals, into drains or natural waterways.
• Campus-wide waste segregation into recyclable, organic, and hazardous categories.
• Awareness programmes on land-to-ocean pollution pathways.
• Mandatory safe disposal of cleaning agents, oils, paints, and construction waste.
• Monitoring of canteen and hostel waste to prevent oil, grease, or chemical leakage into drainage systems.

5. Plan to Minimise Physical, Chemical, and Biological Alterations to Aquatic Ecosystems

NSTU actively prevents damaging alterations to local aquatic ecosystems resulting from campus activities or development.

Action Plan

• Protection of natural wetlands, ponds, canals, and waterbodies from modification or disturbance.
• Establishment and maintenance of green buffer zones around campus waterways.
• Environmental impact considerations for all construction projects to avoid soil erosion and sediment disruption.
• Promotion of research in eco-friendly water management technologies.
• Prevention of invasive species introduction through academic, laboratory, or aquaculture activities.

6. Watershed Management Strategy Based on Local Aquatic Diversity

NSTU implements watershed management that reflects the biodiversity and ecological conditions of local aquatic systems, including those in the Noakhali coastal belt.

Strategy Components

• Ecological assessments to document aquatic plants, fish species, and wildlife within campus and nearby waters.
• Habitat protection for native species and migratory birds using university wetlands.
• Collaboration with the Department of Fisheries and other environmental agencies to enhance watershed management.
• Rainwater harvesting initiatives to reduce stress on groundwater and maintain hydrological balance.
• Monitoring of biodiversity, hydrology, and pollution levels within the watershed.
• Integrating expertise from Fisheries and Marine Science, Oceanography, and Environmental Science in decision-making and research.

7. Implementation and Monitoring

The Campus Sustainability Wing, Development, Planning and Works Office, and the Departments of Environmental Science and Fisheries and Marine Science jointly implement this strategy. Annual environmental reports will include water quality assessments, pollution prevention progress, water reuse data, and biodiversity monitoring. Periodic updates will be incorporated as environmental standards evolve and new scientific knowledge emerges.

8. Review and Amendment

The first two years of this strategy (2024–2026) are regarded as a proposed and adaptive phase, during which amendments may be made based on practical experience and campus awareness needs. The final version is expected to be adopted in 2026, following review and consultation with stakeholders.