Nepal Geotechnical Society marks 31st anniversary

By TRN Online, Kathmandu, May 21: Nepal Geotechnical Society (NGS) marked its 31st anniversary on Sunday by hosting a special symposium focused on disaster resilience and geotechnical challenges and dedicated to reflections and remembrance of the decade since the 2015 Gorkha Earthquake.

The event brought together engineers, geoscientists, policymakers, urban planners, researchers, and representatives from government agencies and professional institutions.

The theme of the event, “Geohazards and Geotechnics: Ten Years of Learnings and Rebuilding from the 2015 Gorkha Earthquake”, reflected on how far Nepal has come in its journey of recovery and rebuilding. It served as both a moment to acknowledge the progress made in post-disaster reconstruction and a reminder of the continued need for stronger preparedness, thoughtful planning, and innovation in geotechnical practices.  

Opening the technical session, NGS President Dr. Mandip Subedi delivered a keynote lecture titled “From Gorkha to Jajarkot: A Decade of Lessons, Missed Opportunities, and the Path to Resilience.” He spoke about the importance of risk-sensitive urban development, seismic resilience, and modern monitoring systems in Nepal’s recovery journey. 

Memorial lectures, followed by Dr. Lok Bijaya Adhikari from the Nepal Seismological Centre and senior geotechnical engineer Dr. Narayan Marasini, shared their perspectives on seismic trends and reconstruction experiences. 

A panel discussion moderated by Prof. Dr. Netra Prakash Bhandary (Ehime University, Japan) featured experts, including Dr. Ganga Lal Tuladhar, Dr. Govinda Raj Pokhrel, and the technical speakers. 

A major highlight of the event was the launch of the Geotechnical Reconnaissance Report on Geo-disasters in Nepal – 2024, published by NGS. The book was officially unveiled by Prof. Dr. Sushil Bahadur Bajracharya (Dean, IOE), Er. Dinesh Prasad Bhatt (Chief Executive, NDRRMA), the editorial team, and the NGS executive.

Edited by Prof. Dr. Netra Prakash Bhandary, Dr. Mandip Subedi, and Er. Rajan KC, the volume presents field-based observations and research-driven insights into major disasters from 2019 to 2024, including the Jajarkot Earthquake (2023), Melamchi Flood (2021), urban geo-disasters, Thame GLOF and the 2024 rainfall-induced flood and landslides. The book features geotechnical failures such as slope collapses, dam breaches, and foundation issues, offering policy-oriented recommendations for risk mitigation and safer infrastructure development.

NGS also announced the third edition of its international conference series, GeoMandu 2026, which has been scheduled for November 2026 in Kathmandu, Nepal. Following the success of the first and the second GeoMandu conferences, this upcoming edition is expected to further promote regional and international collaboration in geotechnical engineering. 

NGS Awards were presented to professionals and contributors for outstanding achievements in the field of geotechnical engineering. Poster and photography exhibits under the theme “Geohazards and Geotechnics” showcased work by students, young professionals, and researchers, capturing local challenges, innovation, and recovery efforts.