Thank you Neena!

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

Dr. Neena M. Gopi, proud FISAT alumna from the 2018 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