Date | 07th October 2024:
World Habitat Day is marked on the first Monday of October each year and is recognized by the United Nations to reflect on the state of towns and cities, and on the basic right of all to adequate shelter. The day is also intended to remind the world that everyone has the power and the responsibility to shape the future of towns and cities.
The EIACP Programme Centre (RP), Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, IIT(ISM) Dhanbad, in collaboration with The Institution of Engineers (India), Dhanbad Local Centre, celebrated World Habitat Day on Monday, 7th October 2024 at the Seminar Hall, Dept. of ESE, IIT(ISM) Dhanbad. The theme for this year’s World habitat Day is “Engaging Youth to Create a Better Urban Future”. The event sought to raise awareness about sustainable urban development, aligned with global efforts to foster healthier, more resilient cities.
The event commenced with a welcome address by Mr. Bishwajit Das - Programme Officer, EIACP (PC-RP), Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, IIT(ISM) Dhanbad. He extended a warm welcome to all the dignitaries, IEI Members, Faculty Members, Research Scholars, and participants and highlighted the importance of World Habitat Day in raising awareness about sustainable urban development, and the importance of engaging youth in creating sustainable urban futures.
Following the welcome address, Prof. Biswajit Paul - Professor, Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, IIT(ISM) Dhanbad, and Honorary Secretary of the Institution of Engineers (India), Dhanbad Local Centre, delivered the inaugural address. Prof. Paul’s address effectively underscored the interconnectedness of sustainable infrastructure, urban planning, and climate resilience, while emphasizing key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), hence setting a thoughtful context for the rest of the event. Prof. Paul also highlighted the institute’s commitment to fostering environmental awareness and sustainable practices through academic initiatives and events such as this.
The keynote lecture was delivered by Prof. Suresh Pandian - Associate Professor, Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, and Co-coordinator, EIACP (PC-RP), IIT(ISM) Dhanbad. In his lecture on “The Concept of Green Building”, Prof. Pandian explored sustainable urban design, energy efficiency, reduced carbon footprints, and healthier living spaces. Prof. Pandian explained how green buildings not only conserve resources and reduce emissions but also improve human health and well-being. Prof. Pandian further discussed the Green Building Rating System, which provides a standardized framework for evaluating and certifying the sustainability and environmental performance of buildings. He highlighted how these ratings, such as LEED - Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, IGBC - Indian Green Building Council, formed in the year 2001, are helping to guide the construction of energy-efficient, low-impact buildings that contribute to a healthier environment.
The event also included an interactive Q&A session, where participants engaged with Prof. Pandian, posing insightful questions about green building technologies, sustainable urban design, and the challenges of implementing these solutions in developing cities. The session fostered a rich exchange of ideas and practical solutions for a sustainable urban future.
The event marked a significant step forward in raising awareness about green building practices and their importance in creating a sustainable future for urban areas. The event successfully brought together around 35 nos. of participants including academics, professionals, and research scholars to engage in meaningful discussions on shaping sustainable urban habitats for future generations. Among the distinguished dignitaries in attendance were Prof. Dheeraj Kumar - Deputy Director, IIT(ISM) Dhanbad and Chairman, IEI, Dhanbad Local Centre; Dr. Maloy Kumar Chandra, Director, Techno Engineering College, Salt Lake, Kolkata; Mr. Ramendra Prasad and Mr. N. Ansari from BCCL, who contributed to the success of the event with their valuable presence and support.
As a token of appreciation, Dr. Maloy Kumar Chandra presented a small gift to Prof. Suresh Pandian, acknowledging his insightful, and thought-provoking keynote lecture and contributing to the success of the event and his ongoing commitment to advancing environmental and urban sustainability.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Prof. Biswajit Paul, who expressed sincere appreciation to all the dignitaries, participants, faculty members, research scholars, and staff for their invaluable contribution to the success of the event. He extended special gratitude to Prof. Suresh Pandian for his enlightening keynote lecture and to Prof. Alok Sinha, Head of the Department of Environmental Science & Engineering and Coordinator, EIACP (PC-RP), IIT(ISM), for his continuous support and guidance. Prof. Paul also applauded the efforts of the organizing team, whose dedication ensured the smooth execution of the event.
Glimpses of Celebration of World Habitat Day 2024
(L to R): Mr. Ramendra Prasad, BCCL; Prof. Suresh Pandian - Associate Professor, IIT (ISM); Prof. Biswajit Paul - Professor, IIT (ISM); Mr. N. Ansari, BCCL; Dr. Maloy Kr. Chandra, Director, Techno Engg. College, Salt Lake, Kolkata.
(L to R): Mr. Ramendra Prasad, BCCL; Prof. Suresh Pandian - Associate Professor, IIT (ISM); Prof. Biswajit Paul - Professor, IIT (ISM); Mr. N. Ansari, BCCL; Mr. Bishwajit Das, Programme Officer, EIACP (PC-RP), IIT (ISM).
Welcome address by Mr. Bishwajit Das, Programme Officer, EIACP (PC-RP), Department of ESE, IIT(ISM) Dhanbad.
Inaugural address by Prof. Biswajit Paul, Professor, Department of ESE, IIT(ISM) Dhanbad, and Honorary Secretary of the IEI, Dhanbad Local Centre.
Prof. Suresh Pandian - Associate Professor, Department of ESE, and Co-coordinator, EIACP (PC-RP), IIT(ISM) Dhanbad, delivered a keynote lecture on "The Concept of Green Building".
Prof. Dheeraj Kumar - Deputy Director, IIT(ISM) Dhanbad and Chairman, IEI, Dhanbad Local Centre attending the event along with other dignitaries and participants.
Q&A Session.
Vote of Thanks delivered by Prof. Biswajit Paul, Professor, Department of ESE, IIT(ISM) Dhanbad, and Honorary Secretary of the IEI, Dhanbad Local Centre.
Dr. Maloy Kumar Chandra presented a small gift to Prof. Suresh Pandian, acknowledging his insightful, and thought-provoking keynote lecture.
Group Photo.
Newspaper Clippings:
(Source: Prabhat Khabar; dt-08.10.2024.)