DCGE ready for further help

Department of Civil and Geomatic Engineering (DCGE) started working for Rapid Visual Assessment of the University infrastructure after the earthquake. On May 5 the Department held meeting to plan for further work. Our team member met Head of the Department Dr. Prachand Man Pradhan after the meeting.

Dr. Pradhan during interview

1. What has DCGE done so far?
We completed preliminary Rapid Visual Assessment for Structural Vulnerability of School of Arts and Education buildings in Lalitpur, Management buildings in Lalitpur, Department of Music buildings Bhaktapur, School of KU Central Campus buildings (block 2,3,6,7,11; staff quarters, student hostels; TTC), Dhulikhel Hospital buildings, School of Law buildings. Our students are helping us in this work.

2. You had a meeting today to plan for future work. What plan did you make? 
Right now, we are working based on request received from nearby municipalities. Today, a group of 4th year students have gone to Panchkhal Municipality as per their request for Rapid Visual Assessment of the buildings. Similarly, a group of 3rd year Civil and Geomatic Engineering students are going to Sankhu of Panauti Municipality tomorrow with a campaign for environment cleanliness. Our second year students are going to Banepa and Dhulikhel Municipality for the same campaign. First year Civil Engineering students are working with Mechanical Engineering who have been constructing toilets and shelters for earthquake affected people in Dhulikhel Hospital and Tundikhel. 

We have teams of students led by faculties in the Department. 4th year Civil Engineering students are led by Mr. Shyam Sundar Khadka, 3rd year by Mr. Ramesh Adhikari, 2nd year by Bikash Thapa and 1st year by Suman Shrestha. Geomatic Engineering students are led by the coordinator of Geomatic Engineering Mr. Subash Ghimire. Our staffs are also involved in volunteering: Cheta Susling is working in TTC; Shivaji Dhakal and Laxmi Thapa are helping in logistics.    

DEGE faculties during meeting

Another plan is working in collaboration with other organizations. For instance, we are providing technical advisory support of Bikers' Club in Baluwatar who are constructing Eco-friendly toilets for people in Sindhupalchok.

3. What message do you have for other engineers who are working in the same field?
Our work is very sensitive and important now. So, we need to take into account emotional aspect of victims along with the structural condition of the buildings. Moreover, this is the time to work in collaboration. Let us work together to help people.