Nepal marked a significant milestone in sustainable development with the successful completion of GeoMandu 2024: Geotechnics for Sustainable Infrastructure. Organized by the Nepal Geotechnical Society (NGS) at the Radisson Hotel, Kathmandu, on November 28–29, this landmark event attracted over 500 participants, including 150 international delegates from 22 countries, making it one of the largest technical conferences in Nepal. Focused on geotechnics for sustainable infrastructure, the conference underscored Nepal’s leadership in tackling global geotechnical challenges while emphasizing the urgent need for disaster-resilient infrastructure within the country.
Inaugurating the event, Hon’ble Prakash Man Singh, Deputy Prime Minister of Nepal, highlighted its significance, stating, “The theme of GeoMandu 2024, ‘Geotechnics for Sustainable Infrastructure,’ is crucial for Nepal as we continue recovering from the devastating 2015 earthquake and recurring disasters like floods and landslides. This conference provides an invaluable opportunity for our young engineers and geoscientists to gain insights from global experts and adopt sustainable solutions.” Dr. Marc Ballouz, President of the International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ISSMGE), commended Nepal’s initiative, describing it as a testament to the nation’s growing prominence in geotechnical engineering.
Highlights of the Pre-Conference Events
The conference was preceded by two major events that set the stage for its success. The Geotechnical Model Competition, held on November 17 at IOE Pulchowk Campus, saw 12 student teams from esteemed universities including, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu University, and Pokhara University present innovative and technically sound solutions to real-world challenges. Similarly, the Geohazard Risk Management Workshop, conducted from November 25–27 in Lalitpur, gathered 70 participants and over 500 visitors. International experts from Canada, the USA, India, and Nepal delivered insightful lectures, focusing on disaster resilience and sustainable infrastructure. These events fostered collaboration between academia, industry, and government, while providing young engineers with a platform to showcase their capabilities.
A Platform for Collaboration and Innovation
GeoMandu 2024 offered a robust lineup of 16 keynote lectures, 17 distinguished presentations, 91 oral presentations, and 36 poster presentations, which collectively addressed pressing issues in geotechnical engineering.
The Keynote Presentations highlighted global best practices in geotechnical engineering. Topics ranged from landslide risk management and climate-resilient construction techniques to tunnel stability in mountainous terrains and the integration of AI in geotechnics. Dr. Keh Jian Shou emphasized cost-effective slope stability techniques, stating, “The lower the cost of rehabilitation, the higher the resilience.” Dr. Alex Strouth highlighted the importance of risk quantification in decision-making, remarking, “Numbers help us make decisions.” Meanwhile, Dr. Marc Ballouz discussed bridging the gap between theory and practice in geotechnical engineering.
Distinguished presentations focused on regional challenges, including slope stabilization on highways, liquefaction risks in the Terai, and erosion control in hilly regions. Oral and poster presentations featured innovative techniques such as bio-stabilization of soil and sustainable gabion technologies, offering actionable solutions for Nepal’s complex geotechnical issues.
The Heritage Time Capsule Session, which explored visionary strategies for geohazard risk management in Asia by 2075, stood out as a forward-thinking addition to the conference.
Strengthening Regional Cooperation
A key highlight of GeoMandu 2024 was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the South Asian Association of Geotechnical Societies (SAAG). Leaders from Nepal, India, and Pakistan formalized a partnership to foster regional cooperation. Dr. Mandip Subedi, President of NGS, stated, “The establishment of SAAG marks a new era of collaboration in South Asia, enabling knowledge exchange and joint research to address shared challenges.” The signing ceremony was attended by global dignitaries, including Dr. Marc Ballouz and Dr. Keh Jian Shou, highlighting its significance.
Translating Insights into Action
To ensure practical applications of the conference outcomes, all presented papers will be published in four volumes of Scopus-indexed Springer Journals, strengthening Nepal’s academic contributions to the global geotechnical community. Dr. Dhundi Raj Pathak, Technical Coordinator, emphasized the importance of this publication, stating, “Publishing this extensive research demonstrates Nepal’s academic and technical strength.”
Additionally, a comprehensive report summarizing the conference’s key insights will be submitted to the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Department of Roads, NDRRMA, and other relevant government bodies. Hon’ble Ramesh Lekhak, Minister for Home Affairs and Chief Guest of the Closing Ceremony, stated, “Nepal faces immense geotechnical challenges due to its complex natural settings and frequent disasters. GeoMandu 2024 provides an excellent platform to discuss solutions, and I assure you that our government is committed to implementing policies that prioritize disaster resilience and safe infrastructure.”
Fostering Inclusion and Future Leadership
GeoMandu 2024 stood out for its inclusive approach, bringing together experts and young professionals. Er. Rajan KC, Treasurer of NGS, praised the event’s intergenerational dynamic, stating, “This conference is the best blending of senior professionals and young engineers. While seniors provided invaluable experience, the youth were actively involved in organizing, participating, and contributing to the event’s success.” Prof. Dr. Netra Prakash Bhandary, Chair of GeoMandu 2024, acclaimed the event’s broader impact, saying, “The conference has elevated Nepal’s stature on the global stage, providing our young engineers and scientists with a world-class platform to learn and innovate. GeoMandu 2024 exemplifies how geotechnical knowledge can be leveraged for sustainable development.”
A Legacy for Sustainable Development
The conference concluded with a Post-Conference Tour to the Roshi Flood Impact Zone, Historic Panauti, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Participants appreciated the blend of technical learning and cultural appreciation, showcasing Nepal’s integrated approach to disaster resilience and heritage preservation.
Summarizing the event’s significance, Dr. Mandip Subedi, Convener of GeoMandu 2024, stated, “This event has demonstrated Nepal’s capability to address global challenges through innovative solutions and collaboration. GeoMandu 2024 is a step toward building a safer, more resilient future for our nation.”
The success of GeoMandu 2024 highlights Nepal’s commitment to sustainable development and positions the country as a leader in geotechnical innovation, with the outcomes of the conference set to shape policies and projects for years to come.
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