The one-day workshop on “Earthquake Hazard, Risk and Mitigation: Theory and Practice”, organized by the Department of Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore, in association with CRC Press Taylor & Francis, Indian Geotechnical Society Coimbatore Chapter, Indian Society of Earthquake Technology, IIT Roorkee, and Amrita Centre for Research and Development, was inaugurated on August 10, 2018 at the campus. Dr. R. K. Bhandari, Adviser to NDMA Govt of India and Former Director UN-Habitat Program, was the chief guest for the event.
E. Lalith Prakash, Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, Coimbatore, welcomed the guests and delegates from different parts of the country.
The inaugural function also saw the release of the book titled “Earthquake Hazard Assessment”, authored by Dr. Sreevalsa Kolathayar and Prof T. G. Sitharam, and published by CRC Press Taylor & Francis, by the chief guest. Prof. Shantanu Bhowmik, Head, Research and Projects, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham’s Coimbatore campus, and Professor, Department of Aerospace Engineering, School of Engineering, Coimbatore, received the book from the chief guest. A copy of the book was presented to the department of Central Library by Prof T. G. Sitharam which was received by M. Jeyothiprakash, Librarian, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham’s Coimbatore campus.
In his inaugural address, Dr. Bhandari stressed the need for a comprehensive book on earthquake hazard assessment in the current scenario and appreciated this contribution. He also endorsed the vision of Mata Amritanandamayi to use science in service to society. Dr. Bhandari is a noted geohazards researcher and an authority in the area of Disaster Mitigation. He served in numerous illustrious positions including the directorship of the UN-Habitat program. He is the recipient of numerous awards and honors including the prestigious Varnes Medal of the International Consortium of Landslides, the only Indian to receive this award; Scholarship of the Royal Commission of the U.K., Plaque of Honour from the Japanese Society of Soil Mechanics etc.
Prof. T. G. Sitharam explained the evolution of earthquake hazard zonation in the country and highlighted the importance of the book. Prof. T. G. Sitharam is a Chair Professor at Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. He is Chairman of the AICTE South Western Zonal Committee, and Member of AICTE Governing Council. He has authored 8 books and 500 research papers. He acted as Chairman of the Expert Committee at National Disaster Management Authority Govt of India to prepare Microzonation Guidelines.
Dr. Sreevalsa Kolathayar gave a brief about the motivation behind this book and dedicated the book to the students of Civil Engineering Department at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham. He also conveyed the message and best wishes received from Pro-Chancellor Brahmachari Abhayamrita Chaitanya to the audience. Dr. Sreevalsa is a faculty member in the Department of Civil Engineering, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, and has authored three books. He was honored by The New Indian Express in 2017 with Edex award: 40 under 40- South India’s Most Inspiring Young Teachers. He recently represented India at Sino-South Asian countries Disaster prevention Forum.
Dr. Naveen James (IIT Ropar) and Dr. Anil Kumar Sharma, Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, Coimbatore, commented on the content of the book and its relevance.
Mr. Gagandeep Singh, Editorial Manager at CRC Press Taylor & Francis, said that this book is an excellent contribution in the area of earthquake engineering.
Present on the occasion were Prof. C. Parameswaran, Director of CIR, Dr. S. Mahadevan, Deputy Dean, School of Engineering, Coimbatore, Prof. Gangadharan, Professor, Department of Computer Science & Engineering, School of Engineering, Coimbatore, Prof. Subba Rao, Chairperson, Chemical Engineering & Materials Science, Amrita School of Engineering, Coimbatore, Dr. R. Dhandapani, Controller of Examinations, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore campus, Prof. Kaniraj S., Former Professor IIT Delhi; Prof. Arumairaj, President IGS Coimbatore Chapter; chairpersons, faculty members, staffs, Brahmacharis and students from Amrita and outside the campus.
R. Ramkrishnan, Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, Coimbatore, delivered the vote of thanks.
The inaugural function was followed by a daylong workshop attended by more than 100 participants. Prof T. G. Sitharam delivered a talk on Engineered Preparedness for Earthquake Disaster Mitigation. Dr. R. K. Bhandari extensively discussed Disaster Management in a multi-hazard eco-system. Mr. Gagandeep Singh gave a brief session on Hoe to publish with Taylor & Francis. Dr. Sreevalsa delivered a talk on Seismicity Analysis and Earthquake Hazard Assessment. Dr. Naveen James presented Site Response Studies and Seismic Zonation. It was followed by an interactive session and distribution of certificates to the participants.
The participants appreciated the smooth conduct of the workshop. Meticulous organization by Mr. Lalith Prakash and Mr. Ramkrishnan was complimented. The delegates expressed interest to have such important workshops regularly in the future. The workshop laid a framework for Disaster Mitigation plan in the country and inspired the delegates to work positively to fulfill the national mission.