Dhanbad: Professor Suresh A. Kartha, Professor at the Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Guwahati, delivered a keynote lecture on “Integrative Approaches to Sustainable Development: Innovations, Challenges, and Solutions” on December 30, 2024, at IIT-ISM Dhanbad.
This lecture was part of the Mission LiFE: Lifestyle for Environment Keynote Lecture Series (2024-25), organized by the EIACP Programme Centre (RP), Department of Environmental Science and Engineering (ESE), IIT-ISM Dhanbad.
The session, held at the institute, saw an impressive turnout of over 60 participants, including faculty members, research scholars, M.Tech students, and staff. The event commenced with a warm welcome from Professor Alok Sinha, Head of the Department of ESE and Coordinator of the EIACP Programme Centre, who introduced Professor Kartha and set the stage for the lecture. Dr. Avantika Chandra, Information Officer of EIACP (PC-RP), presented a brief biography of Professor Kartha.
During the lecture, Professor Kartha delved into the “Systems Concept in Hydrology,” focusing on the intricate relationships within the hydrological cycle, including precipitation, runoff, groundwater, and evaporation. He discussed the evolution of hydrology as a scientific discipline and its crucial role in sustainable water resource management.
Professor Kartha highlighted the Unit Hydrograph, a fundamental concept in hydrological modeling, and demonstrated how systems-based approaches help address water-related challenges, especially in the context of climate change and development.
In alignment with Mission LiFE’s theme of “Conserve Water,” Professor Kartha emphasized the importance of adopting sustainable water management practices at various levels — from individuals to institutions. His talk inspired participants to consider how they could contribute to sustainable water practices, ultimately helping to safeguard water resources for future generations.
The session concluded with Professor Alok Sinha expressing his sincere gratitude to Professor Kartha for his valuable insights. A memento was presented to Professor Kartha as a token of appreciation. Professor Sinha also thanked the attendees for their active participation, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in achieving sustainable water management.
The event successfully bridged academic knowledge with practical solutions, empowering attendees to contribute to global sustainability initiatives like Mission LiFE, and laying the groundwork for a water-secure and sustainable future.
