Latest news with #CivilEngineeringDepartment


New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Science
- New Indian Express
Experts: Continuous monitoring needed to avert landslides in Karnataka
BENGALURU: While technological interventions and continuous relaying of information can help avert tragedies, experts point out that it is also imperative to have a dedicated team of people to continuously monitor and analyse data. Experts point out that there are multiple government and private agencies working, but there is a lack of coordination. There is also a major lack of scientific input across the country. Prof GL Sivakumar Babu, Geotechnical Engineering Division, Civil Engineering Department, IISc, said there is a need to create a group of people who will be dedicated to studying the same. Stability in data management and working is needed. Government officials are posted for a short duration, and they lack the expertise. The government should consider investing in such long-term interventions rather than focusing more on compensation and loss mitigation, he said. Experts pointed out that there is a growing need to invest more in technology. Prof Sajeev Krishnan from the Centre for Earth Sciences, IISc, said that landslides are more likely to occur in the Western Ghats because of the steep slopes. Thus, areas like Coorg, Mangaluru, Idukki and Goa are vulnerable. Similar is the case with the Himalayan regions in India, where the slopes are steeper. Another expert geologist, working with the government, said, 'One of the prime reasons for landslides to occur is the lack of creation of a small drainage system in the hills when they are cut for civil works. This is the basic mistake which is being consistently made, apart from the improper cutting of the slopes. It is common sense to understand that when a terrain is cut or drilled, you are making the region vulnerable to tragedies. Putting pipes to drain out water from the saturated soil during monsoon is one simple solution which has been suggested but not followed. Another crucial negligence is not undertaking regular carrying capacity studies. Each time a terrain is altered, the carrying capacity and environmental impact change. Thus, a dedicated team to study all this regularly is needed.' An official from the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre said a simple method of averting tragedies is not to undertake any construction or repair works during monsoon. They should be completed and tested before monsoon, but how projects are approved, executed and how tenders are released, inadvertently works are undertaken during monsoon, making areas more vulnerable to tragedies.


Hans India
19-06-2025
- Business
- Hans India
New Mangalore Port presented with Greentech Global Environment Award
Mangaluru: The New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) has secured the Greentech Global Environment Award 2025 under the Environment Protection category, marking the eighth time it has received this distinction. The award was presented at the 24th edition of the Greentech Environment and Sustainability Summit held in New Delhi on June 12 and 13, recognising institutions that demonstrate leadership in environmental protection and sustainability. The recognition highlights NMPA's sustained efforts in promoting green infrastructure and environment-friendly operations. NMPA Chairman Dr. A.V. Ramana lauded the Civil Engineering Department and the port workforce for their commitment to green goals. 'This award is a testimony to our comprehensive and sustained efforts towards a cleaner, greener future,' he said. NMPA has adopted a series of eco-conscious measures over recent years. Its entire operations are now powered by a 5.3 MW photovoltaic solar plant. Rainwater harvesting has been implemented through three reservoirs, benefiting over 500 village wells and ensuring water self-sufficiency. A green cover expansion saw 7,700 saplings planted in FY 2024–25. A 1.2 million-litre-per-day sewage treatment plant enables reuse of treated water, supporting zero liquid discharge goals. The port has replaced nearly all conventional lighting with energy-efficient LEDs and introduced electric buses, cars, and CNG vehicles to reduce its carbon emissions. With 55 percent of its cargo handling now mechanised, NMPA has reduced energy use and operational emissions. Shore power connectivity has been introduced for berthed vessels, and automated sprinklers are used to manage dust pollution. Other initiatives include a vermi-compost unit, a moisture cannon vehicle for dust suppression, a slop reception facility for safe management of ship waste oils, and the use of mechanised road sweepers. The award reflects NMPA's alignment with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways' vision of transforming Indian ports into hubs of green innovation. As one of India's leading ports on the west coast, NMPA's achievements set a benchmark for environmental stewardship in the maritime sector.


Hans India
18-06-2025
- Business
- Hans India
New Mangalore Port Honoured with Greentech Global Environment Award for the 8th Time
Mangaluru: The New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) has secured the Greentech Global Environment Award 2025 under the Environment Protection category, marking the eighth time it has received this distinction. The award was presented at the 24th edition of the Greentech Environment and Sustainability Summit held in New Delhi on June 12 and 13, recognising institutions that demonstrate leadership in environmental protection and sustainability. The recognition highlights NMPA's sustained efforts in promoting green infrastructure and environment-friendly operations. NMPA Chairman Dr. A.V. Ramana lauded the Civil Engineering Department and the port workforce for their commitment to green goals. 'This award is a testimony to our comprehensive and sustained efforts towards a cleaner, greener future,' he said. NMPA has adopted a series of eco-conscious measures over recent years. Its entire operations are now powered by a 5.3 MW photovoltaic solar plant. Rainwater harvesting has been implemented through three reservoirs, benefiting over 500 village wells and ensuring water self-sufficiency. A green cover expansion saw 7,700 saplings planted in FY 2024–25. A 1.2 million-litre-per-day sewage treatment plant enables reuse of treated water, supporting zero liquid discharge goals. The port has replaced nearly all conventional lighting with energy-efficient LEDs and introduced electric buses, cars, and CNG vehicles to reduce its carbon emissions. With 55 percent of its cargo handling now mechanised, NMPA has reduced energy use and operational emissions. Shore power connectivity has been introduced for berthed vessels, and automated sprinklers are used to manage dust pollution. Other initiatives include a vermi-compost unit, a moisture cannon vehicle for dust suppression, a slop reception facility for safe management of ship waste oils, and the use of mechanised road sweepers. The award reflects NMPA's alignment with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways' vision of transforming Indian ports into hubs of green innovation. As one of India's leading ports on the west coast, NMPA's achievements set a benchmark for environmental stewardship in the maritime sector.


Time of India
11-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
IIT Kharagpur students win Ideas4LiFE competition for water-saving innovation; tops ‘Save Water' category at World Environment Day contest
MUMBAI: A student team from IIT Kharagpur, consisting of Rajarshi Bhar, Joydeepa Taran and Anil, under Prof. Brajesh Kumar Dubey's guidance from the Civil Engineering Department, secured the top position in the Ideas4Life competition's "Save Water" category, organised by the ministry of environment, forest & climate change. The team received their award at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, during the World Environment Day celebration on June 5, 2025. Union minister shri Bhupender Yadav praised the programme for generating innovative and sustainable citizen-focused solutions promoting environmental consciousness. 'Ideas4LiFE', a national ideathon, represents a primary initiative by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), partnering with UNICEF YuWaah. The programme operates within the Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) framework, conceptualised by Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The competition attracted 1384 submissions nationwide, from which 21 innovative solutions were chosen, representing three top concepts across seven Mission LiFE themes. The IIT Kharagpur team achieved distinction in the 'Save Water' category with their concept, "Reducing Water Footprint Using Raw Sewage during Hydrothermal Carbonization." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo Their innovative proposal suggests utilising raw municipal sewage as a moisture source in lignocellulosic hydrochar production, thereby reducing freshwater consumption. This solution combines water conservation with waste management and renewable energy generation, offering potential for widespread implementation. The 'Ideas4LiFE' initiative, which commenced on July 29, 2024, at IIT Delhi, sought innovative solutions across seven themes: Save Water; Save Energy; Reduce Waste; Reduce E-Waste; Say No to Single-Use Plastics; Adopt Sustainable Food Systems and Adopt Healthy Lifestyles. Selection involved three phases, including assessment by Higher Education Department experts and a ministry-appointed national jury. This achievement demonstrates IIT Kharagpur's dedication to advancing innovation, sustainability and social impact through scientific and technological developments.


The Hindu
07-06-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
Civil Engineering Department of Anna University to organise an open house
The Civil Engineering Department of Anna University is organising an open house on June 9 to showcase innovations, research outcomes, and project demonstrations by students and faculty members of the department. Live demonstrations will be held across domains like Structural Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Water Resources, Transportation Systems, Remote Sensing, Ocean Technology, and Climate Change and Disaster Management Systems. Interested students, industry professionals, research scholars and public may register at The event starts at 9 a.m. and goes on till 4 p.m.