Research Scholar Roshini Bajaj’s Innovative Initiative Sets an Example; Composting and Vermicomposting Station Inaugurated at BBAU

Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU), Lucknow, inaugurated a Composting and Vermicomposting Station located behind the Green House on June 16, 2026, under the joint aegis of the Department of Environmental Science and Navkalpana, BBAU. The programme was presided over by the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Raj Kumar Mittal. This innovative initiative was launched by Ms. Roshini Bajaj, Research Scholar, Department of Environmental Science, under the guidance of Dr. Jiwan Singh and Prof. Shikha. Prof. K.K. Pandey, Prof. Manoj Joshi, Dr. Amod Singh, and Prof. Naveen Kumar Arora were also present on the occasion. The Composting and Vermicomposting Station was formally inaugurated by the Vice-Chancellor through a ribbon-cutting ceremony. During the event, Ms. Roshini Bajaj presented a sample of vermicompost produced at the unit to the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor.
The Vice-Chancellor emphasized the need to scale up the project to commercial standards so that its products could reach the market and the initiative could emerge as a model of Sustainable Entrepreneurship. Appreciating the innovative startup established by Ms. Roshini Bajaj, he described it as an inspiring example for other students and research scholars of the University. He stated that such initiatives demonstrate how innovation, dedication, and determination can transform ideas into successful ventures despite limited resources. Prof. Mittal encouraged students to pursue innovation and entrepreneurship, emphasizing that the University aims not only to provide quality education but also to nurture entrepreneurial skills among youth so that they become job creators rather than job seekers. He further stated that if BBAU students and scholars continue to establish innovation-driven startups and enterprises, it would be a matter of pride for the University and would strengthen its identity as a leading institution promoting innovation, research, and entrepreneurship.
In its initial phase, the Vermicomposting Station comprises four cemented composting/ vermicomposting bins, one bamboo-based vermireactor, two high-speed rotary drum composters, and ten agitated piles/windrows. At present, approximately 2,000 kilograms of leaf waste is undergoing the maturation process and is being converted into a finished product. Spread across nearly 250 acres of lush green campus, BBAU generates around 10,000 kilograms of leaf litter annually. The Composting and Vermicomposting Station aims to process the available leaf waste through vermicomposting on a yearly basis, with the vision of transforming the University into a “Zero Waste Campus.”
On this occasion, the committee responsible for establishing the Composting and Vermicomposting Unit expressed heartfelt gratitude to the University administration and the competent authority for their support in promoting the startup initiative. The support included the provision of a biomass shredder (chaff cutter), a tricycle trolley rickshaw, and a shed for the vermicomposting bins/reactors. Faculty members of the Department of Environmental Science also appreciated the continuous guidance and support extended by the University leadership.
This startup initiative represents an excellent blend of innovation, entrepreneurship, incubation, and sustainability, marking an important step towards a greener and cleaner future.
Proctor Prof. Ram Chandra, Head of the Department of Environmental Science Prof. Venkatesh Dutta, along with other faculty members, non-teaching officers and staff, research scholars, and students were present on this occasion.

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