Dhanbad: The National Conference on “Emerging Trends in Earth Sciences: Geohazards and Resource Management” (ETES 2024) commenced today at IIT-ISM, with over 170 experts from across the country gathering to discuss critical issues, including geoscientific challenges faced by the mining industry.
The three-day event, running from September 27 to 29, brings together geophysicists from prestigious institutions like IITs, NITs, research organizations, and industry sectors. Participants are set to delve into a range of topics such as advances in near-surface exploration, the physics of Earth’s interior and planetary systems, mine safety, and geoscientific challenges of the mining sector.
Harsh K Gupta, former Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences and an IIT (ISM) alumnus, inaugurated the conference at the institute’s Golden Jubilee Lecture Theatre.
He was accompanied by Dr. J.R. Kayal, Former Deputy Director General of the Geological Survey of India (GSI), as Guest of Honour, and Professor Dheeraj Kumar, Deputy Director of IIT-ISM.
The event, organized by the Department of Applied Geophysics, aims to foster collaboration, exchange of ideas, and dissemination of knowledge, in line with the government’s Make in India initiative.
In his address, Gupta emphasized the importance of geology education, lamenting the lack of emphasis on the subject at the school level. He stressed, “The sustainability of our planet depends on understanding its complexities, and geology is central to this knowledge.” He also praised the Earth Sciences Department of IIT-ISM as a key institution in this field.
Dr. J.R. Kayal highlighted the crucial role of geophysicists in predicting geohazards to prevent loss of life and property. He noted that while efforts are underway to improve the accuracy of geohazard predictions, continued research and mapping are essential for sustainable mining practices.
Professor Dheeraj Kumar, speaking on behalf of the institution, acknowledged the challenges faced in monitoring and mapping geohazards like landslides and called for solutions from the geophysical community.
The conference also featured the inauguration of “Geoconfluence 24,” a student-led initiative that includes a series of events such as a 24-hour hackathon, Geosabha Debate, and a quiz competition, all scheduled to take place over the three days.
The event aims to serve as a platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing among experts, contributing to the advancement of Earth Sciences and addressing the challenges faced by the mining and geosciences sectors in India.
