Society advances with scientific advancement and technology innovation in civil engineering

Gurugram, September 27, 2021: Civil Engineers have been hugely contributing to shaping nations from historic times. It is a discipline that touches every aspect of human life by finding innovative solutions to most critical issues of the world, including population pressures, rapid urbanization, climate change, water and energy crisis, natural and anthropogenic disasters and many more. These days the technological innovation in civil engineering is influencing the construction industry like never before, in terms of greener buildings and smarter cities, innovative solutions to avert climate change, solid waste management, waste water treatment using most advanced nano science and technology and new and smart materials that are driving new horizons of civil and environmental engineering. Keeping this in mind, Amity University Haryana conducted a one day high impact webinar on "Civil Engineering Today and Roadmap Ahead" that presented a holistic view of the field through Academia-Government-Industry partnership perspectives. The programme was graced by the august presence of Mr. K. B. Rajoria, Former Engineer in Chief, PWD, Delhi & Addl DG, CPWD who presented the Key note Address for the event. The programme was inaugurated by Prof (Dr.) PB Sharma, Hon’ble Pro-Vice Chancellor and was attended by Deans, Heads of Institutions, large number of faculty members and participants from various universities and institutions from across the country. 
Delivering the opening address Mr. K. B. Rajoria highlighted the glorious past of India by emphasizing on the structural and road developments which are of par excellence. He shared his insightful thoughts with a big take away “Here to Learn- Gyaan ki koi seema nahi hoti” stating that learning never stops and we should keep on learning. Training of professionals and workers is necessary and unless we have the desire to learn more, we cannot proceed. In order to move forward the most important thing is continuous process of learning and continuous innovations. He shared his personal views on why training has not been of much success in the field of civil engineering to date. The minds of the young students and faculty members, need to explore new horizons beyond the comfort zone of standard practices being followed world over. Shri Rajoria enunciated construction project management and its important elements for quality time bound results. He stimulated the minds of the young researchers and students on the interesting issues and conclusions drawn from his vast experience in the field of construction. 
Dr Padmakali Banerjee, Pro Vice Chancellor, Amity University Haryana enlightened the gathering with the Green Initiatives for sustainable development management. She stressed on the fact to take the thoughts into pedagogy and techniques into the new era of tools, knowledge and research. She also laid emphasis on dissolving the boundaries between architecture and civil engineering in the future. 
In his inspiring address Vice Chancellor of Amity University Haryana Prof. (Dr.) P B Sharma said “Society Advances with advancement of Civil Engineering”. Human habitat right from the early advent of human civilization has thrived on the genius of man to create the divine bliss in its forms and designs and the way the lifestyle is supported by the quest to innovate and excel. India has touched great heights in its arts and architecture and also town planning. He expressed his profound hope that with the advances and innovations in civil and environmental engineering and green architecture, the civil engineering shall bounce back as the front runner in engineering disciplines. 
Both the panel sessions of the day were full of knowledge influx, by vast range of professionals and dignitaries. Among those who addressed the panel discussion today, eminent chairperson of the first panel on 'Smart Building, Smart City and Green Construction' Mr A K Jain, Former Commissioner Planning DDA, shared his life time experiences on the planning of low carbon urban development. He laid emphasis on the vicious cycle of climate change, the unplanned & unauthorized colonies, informal transport, inequities & gender gap, gap between planning & implementation, and the missing connections in terms of strategies, policies, mitigation, & development. He also laid emphasis on the sustainable development goals 2030 which will take us to the future we want. He sailed us through a series of cartoons to explain the complex problems in an easier way. Dr Satish Kumar, Ex-Director, DMRC discussed elaborately the innovations by DMRC in climate resilience and technology which changed the way. Dr K M Soni, Former Addl. DG, CPWD gave an elaborated presentation on important and thought provoking insightsaboutSmart Building, Smart City and Green Construction which is the need of the hour. Dr Amarnath, BIM Strategy, L&T, gave an insight on the technological advancements especially through digitalization in the form of Building Information Modelling (BIM). He shared his experience in the field of BIM and highlighted that digital technology has moved us beyond hand-drawn renderings to computer-generated models in recent years, visualizations have become more precise, innovative and essential. Before the actual construction, now one can visualize the project, and this engagement and planning strategy will continue to play a valuable role in the year ahead.
The speakers for the second session on “Safety, Security, Dams & Water Bodies and Highways”were no less, as their talks were equally absorbing. Mr C S Prasad, Former DG, CPWD, spearheaded the session as the chairperson. He dwelled upon as to how to safeguard multi-story buildings from earthquake and fire point of view. He also emphasised on the importance of scaffoldings, and formwork systems and their management giving relevant examples from the industry. The adoption of various codal provision laid by the government and bureau of Indian standards (BIS) was highlighted.The session also had other eminent speakers Mr N K Mathur, Former member, CWC, who expressed his concerns about dam safety and other structures. He highlighted that the vulnerability of earth dam is most critical, for which preventive maintenance is the answer.
Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) P B Sharma, Amity University Haryana gave the closing remarks by expressing his gratitude to all the eminent panellists who graced the occasion with their immense and vast school of knowledge. He highlighted that “India is capable of taking on the challenges of Civil Engineering, town planning, architecture, in such a manner that people live a happy and a peaceful life.” He also said, “The future lies in reuse, recycle, reconstruction, and remanufacturing”. 
Rear Admiral KK Pandey (Retd.), Director HR and Director Academic Staff College, AUH whilst delivering the Vote of Thanks, highlighted and said, “The versatile speakers have reiterated the point that the Change is Constant and all of us have to keep learning from each other to promote high safety and security standards coupled with Innovative design and Construction. I’m sure with the wide canvas of deliberations today, we all must have broadened the horizons”.
Dr. Sanjna Vij, Program Director, Academic Staff College while introducing about the webinar said, “Civil Engineering is an important field that connect with every aspect of human life by finding innovative solutions to the world's most pressing issues including, accelerated urbanization, climate emergency, population density, water and energy crisis, natural disasters, and many more. So this field has a lot to offer in the near years. All we need to learn is how to make the full use of it with the right kind of knowledge, ability and skill set”.
Excellent IT support for the program was provided by the Amity IT Team headed by Dr JS Sodhi.