Pondicherry University, India
Research Project
National | International
Our lab undertakes a diverse range of research projects that address pressing ecological and environmental challenges. From assessing forest fire impacts and mapping biodiversity to modeling species distributions and exploring nature-based solutions in urban landscapes, our work combines field studies with advanced geospatial technologies. These projects not only contribute to scientific understanding but also inform policy and conservation practices at regional and national levels.
Ongoing
1. ENTER: Environmental open data for engaging curricula and research training
Duration: October 2025 to September 2028)
Funded by: European Union
Coordinator: Prof. S. Jayakumar
About the Project:
ENTER aims to pilot a sustainable, data-driven model for academia and community engagement in India and Malaysia. By sharing and co-creating environmental data, the project brings EU expertise to:
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Create an operational data-sharing framework, curricula support for community engagement, and a student mentorship program.
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Deliver ICT infrastructure for data-driven pilots at HEIs in India and Malaysia.
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Develop innovative curricula (degrees, microcredentials, challenges) and teaching methods for ongoing, participatory environmental data use.
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Build HEI and stakeholder capacity through sustainable education and participatory activities.
Completed
1. URGENT: Urban Resilience and Adaptation for India and Mongolia: curricula, capacity, ICT and stakeholder collaboration to support green & blue infrastructure and nature-based solutions
Duration: January 2020 to July 2024)
Project No. 619050-EPP-1-2020-1-DE-EPPKA2-CBHE-JP
Funded by: European Union
Coordinator: Prof. S. Jayakumar
About the Project:
The URGENT’s aim is to promote green & blue infrastructure and nature-based solutions (GBI & NBS) for resilient, climate-friendly, and liveable cities in India and Mongolia through ICT-enhanced tertiary education linked to labor markets & wider stakeholder circles. This aim will be achieved through the following objectives:
1. To revise and upgrade selected GBI & NBS - relevant BSc, MSc & Ph.D. programs in PIs to make them end-user-oriented & policy-relevant, and develop 6 modules addressing GBI & NBS-related hotspots, that can be used interchangeably in tertiary & LLL education.
2. Assessment of Changes for the Conservation and Management of Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve
Duration: April 2020 to December 2023)
Funded by: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, New Delhi
Principal Investigator: Prof. S. Jayakumar
About the Project:
The Assessment of Changes for the Conservation and Management of Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR) is a comprehensive research initiative aimed at strengthening evidence-based conservation and sustainable management of one of India's most important tiger landscapes. Situated at the confluence of the Western and Eastern Ghats, STR is a globally significant biodiversity hotspot supporting tigers, elephants, leopards, and numerous endemic plant and animal species.
The project employed advanced geospatial technologies, remote sensing, GIS, GPS-based field surveys, and ecological assessments to map elephant habitat use, monitor long-term forest cover dynamics, evaluate forest regeneration, assess human settlements and land-use changes, identify water resources, and document human–elephant conflict hotspots. The study also developed a scientifically informed restoration, conservation, and management plan emphasizing habitat restoration, wildlife corridor protection, invasive species management, water resource enhancement, community participation, and conflict mitigation.
The outcomes provide valuable scientific insights and practical recommendations for wildlife managers, policymakers, and conservation practitioners, contributing to the long-term ecological integrity and sustainable management of the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve.
3. Assessment of urban sprawl and its impact on the environment in Puducherry using geomatics
Duration: 2013 to 2017
Funded by: University Grants Commission, New Delhi
Principal Investigator: Prof. S. Jayakumar
About the Project:
This University Grants Commission (UGC)-funded Major Research Project investigated the patterns of urban expansion in Puducherry and their impacts on the environment using advanced geomatics techniques, including Remote Sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and spatial modeling. The study analyzed land use and land cover changes over nearly three decades, revealing a rapid increase in built-up areas accompanied by significant declines in vegetation and water bodies.
The project integrated satellite image analysis, groundwater quality assessment, environmental surveys, demographic analysis, and urban growth modeling to evaluate the sustainability of urban development. Water quality was assessed using 23 physical, chemical, and biological parameters, while public perception surveys provided insights into environmental quality and urban living conditions. Spatial suitability analysis identified environmentally suitable and vulnerable areas for future urban expansion, providing a scientific basis for sustainable land-use planning.
The findings offer valuable recommendations for urban planners, policymakers, and environmental managers to promote sustainable urban development, protect natural resources, and improve environmental quality in Puducherry through evidence-based planning and informed decision-making.
Consultancy Projects
1. Urban dynamics, Landscape Ecological Security and Policy Implications: A case study of Chennai District
Duration: 2017
Funded by: Madras School of Economics, Chennai
Principal Investigator: Prof. S. Jayakumar
2. Economic Valuation of the Ousteri Lake, Puducherry
Duration: 2015
Funded by: Madras School of Economics, Chennai
Principal Investigator: Prof. S. Jayakumar
3. Forest Cover Mapping and change-detection
Duration: 2014
Funded by: Indian Geoinformatics Institute, Chennai
Principal Investigator: Prof. S. Jayakumar