In October 2016 IIM Udaipur re-located to its permanent campus on a 300-acre site situated in Balicha about 8 km from the old city. IIMU is the first of the new IIMs to move to its permanent campus. While construction is continuing, the classrooms, hostels, mess, library, WiFi and all other essential functions are all fully operational.
The infrastructure, facilities and classroom design create a campus that takes its place with the best in India and abroad. The campus will enable IIMU to meet the targets outlined in its Perspective Plan which calls for approximately 750 students across its programs by 2020 and 60 permanent faculty members, implementing its mission to provide leadership in research and teaching, create responsible leaders and contribute to the development of the region.
The overall design reflects the traditional fortress architecture that is a significant part of Rajasthan's history and culture. The Academic Block is at the heart of the campus with lakes on two sides and many courtyards (inspired by Udaipur's chowks) on different levels to take advantage of the multitude of views. An imposing plaza next to the water provides a central meeting place as well as a backdrop for large events.
The architecture has been designed to minimize energy consumption and a solar power farm will be built on campus to generate electricity. The arid landscape is being rehabilitated in a number of stages over several years at which point the campus is designed to be largely self-sufficient in terms of water, energy and waste management. The entire campus has been designed for a GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment) LD 5 Star rating.
The magnificent site is characterized by sharp slopes and deep valleys. As a result, the key design principle is based on water retention and conservation. To make the campus independent in its water supply requires a sophisticated scheme for rainwater harvesting during the monsoon. A system of check dams is being put in place at strategic locations within the terrain to create several interlinked lakes. During the construction process, natural catchments have been modified and water will be directed through channels using the slope and direction of the land to be stored in the local water bodies for use throughout the year.
The overall landscaping plan is equally advanced, involving a process of clearing the site to increase run-off capacities; de-silting and re-silting areas as required to ensure better soil coverage; using contour bunds, trenches and other means to increase soil moisture; improving erosion protection; and increasing the organic content of the soil. Irrigation, when required, will utilize predominantly passive systems supplemented by limited use of active methods. In addition to conserving power and water, the campus has been planned to be a zero-waste facility, where waste will be an important resource utilizing DEWATS (Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Systems), vermicomposting and biogas production.
The campus will have a significant impact on the surrounding community which will reap benefits in terms of production of flora, more stable year-round grass supply and generation of a large number of jobs in maintenance and other services.
