Kathmandu, Dec 1: Nepal achieved a groundbreaking milestone in sustainable development with the success of GeoMandu 2024: Geotechnics for Sustainable Infrastructure. The programme was organized by the Nepal Geotechnical Society (NGS) in Kathmandu, on November 28–29.

The landmark event brought together over 500 participants, including 150 international delegates from 22 countries, making it one of the largest technical conferences in the country. With its theme focused on geotechnics for sustainable infrastructure, the event showcased Nepal’s leadership in addressing global geotechnical challenges while highlighting its critical need for disaster-resilient infrastructure.

Speaking at the inauguration, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Urban Development Prakash Man Singh emphasized the conference’s importance, stating, “The theme of GeoMandu 2024, ‘Geotechnics for Sustainable Infrastructure,’ is highly relevant for Nepal as we strive to recover from the devastating 2015 earthquake and recent disasters caused by floods and landslides. This event is an invaluable platform for our young engineers and geoscientists to learn from global experts and adopt sustainable practices.”

President of the International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ISSMGE) Dr Marc Ballouz, praised Nepal’s initiative, calling it a testament to the nation’s growing leadership 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 college 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 jointly organized by NGS, NDRRMA and BGC Engineering, 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

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.

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.

Minister for Home Affairs Ramesh Lekhak said “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 of 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.