IWWA Kochi Centre Inauguration

Dr. Megha, Faculty member and a few students from our department attended the Inauguration of Indian Water Works Association (IWWA), Kochi Centre which was held on 10 October 2026 at Aban Hall, IEI Bhavan, Kochi. 

The Indian Water Works Association is a voluntary, non-profit professional organisation founded in 1968 and headquartered in Mumbai that promotes the advancement of science, technology, and management in the water supply and wastewater treatment sectors across India. 

The programme marked an important milestone in bringing together water professionals, academicians, engineers and researchers to promote knowledge sharing, technological innovation and sustainable water management. The inaugural session was graced by Er. Basanta Kumar Parida, Hon. General Secretary of IWWA, as the Chief Guest, with Prof. (Dr.) E. J. James, former Vice Chancellor of Karunya University and former Executive Director of CWRDM, and Prof. (Dr.) Ratish Menon, Member Secretary of the Kerala State Pollution Control Board, as Guests of Honour. 

The programme featured discussions on challenges in urban water supply systems in India and contemporary issues concerning surface water quality. Dignitaries representing various IWWA centres, including Kozhikode and Indore, along with other professional bodies, attended the event, highlighting the association’s commitment to collaboration and sustainable development in the water sector. 

The release of the inaugural newsletter of IWWA Kochi Centre further established a platform for sharing technical insights, research contributions and professional experiences. The participation provided students with a valuable opportunity to gain insights into current water management challenges, interact with professionals and appreciate the importance of sustainable water supply and sanitation practices.

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Dr. Megha Mohan, AP CE

Thank you Neena!

The Indian Geotechnical Society (IGS) Student Chapter of our Department hosted  

Dr. Neena M. Gopi, proud FISAT alumna from the 2014-18 B.Tech batch on 8 October 2026.

Dr. Neena gave an insightful talk session on “Soil Degradation: A Slow-Onset Disaster.” Dr. Neena specializes in geospatial analysis, optical and microwave remote sensing, environmental monitoring, and satellite-based assessment of natural resources. 

Through her expertise, the session explored the causes and consequences of soil degradation and the role of modern Earth observation technologies in monitoring soil health and addressing environmental challenges.

According to her, soil degradation is a major environmental concern that affects agricultural productivity, ecosystem health, and the sustainable use of natural resources. It can occur through physical processes such as soil erosion and compaction, as well as chemical processes such as soil salinity and contamination. Remote sensing technologies provide valuable tools for identifying and monitoring these changes over large geographical areas.

The session highlighted the importance of satellite-based observations and field measurements in environmental studies. Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites, such as Sentinel-1, and hyperspectral satellites, such as PRISMA, provide different types of information that help researchers understand environmental conditions. Field measurements are equally important because they help validate satellite-based observations and improve the reliability of remote sensing studies.

The talk offered valuable insights into how geospatial technologies can support soil assessment, environmental monitoring, and sustainable resource management. It also emphasised the importance of research and technological innovation in tackling the growing challenge of soil degradation. Overall, the session was an informative learning experience for students, encouraging them to understand the importance of soil conservation and explore the applications of remote sensing in civil and environmental engineering.

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Tharuni Paul Malayil, S5 CEB

P V Mathew Scholarship

Congratulations to Nandana Sunil, S7 CE for being selected for the P V Mathew Memorial Scholarship for this year from our department. 

Nanda received the award from Mr. Mathew Kuzhalnadan, MLA, Muvattupuzha Constituency who was the guest of honour for the Institution Day Celebrations held on Friday 25 Sep 2026.