Civil engineering: Role of students

The ancient civilizations of Egypt, Mesopotamia, and the Indus Valley each made significant contributions to civil engineering, with the construction of pyramids, ziggurats, and irrigation systems respectively. In fact, even the Ramayana, a Hindu epic, describes an incident where Lord Ram and his team constructed a bridge of stones over a sea. As human beings have evolved, so has civil engineering, with the field experiencing every transition phase of homo sapiens. Today, we rely on civil engineering structures 24/7, whether directly or indirectly. Every civil engineering project has a story that involves the application of mathematics and physics. Because of this, civil engineering is always a topic of discussion among society members, making it a common belief.  Civil engineers have accomplished incredible feats of construction that were once considered unimaginable. However, the current state of civil engineering in Nepal presents a surreal situation. The construction projects in Nepal have yet to leave a significant impact on the world stage. Challenges to proper urbanization such as poorly constructed roads, inadequate drainage systems, congested traffic, polluted air, uneven population distribution, and lack of access to clean drinking water are some of the major civil engineering issues currently facing Nepal. Are there any concrete plans for the future of civil engineering in Nepal, particularly with regards to addressing global warming? Furthermore, how is Nepal progressing towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? Currently ranked 91 with a score of 66.18 out of 100, there is still work to be done. It is troubling that Kathmandu consistently ranks among the top three most polluted cities in the world, with many visitors experiencing nasal and vision problems upon arrival. What are the areas in which we need to improve to address the issue of air pollution in Kathmandu?

One of the objectives of the Sagarmatha Civil Engineering Student's Society (SCEnSS) at Sagarmatha Engineering College is to address civil engineering problems at a student level and bring attention to potential solutions. Collaborating with similar societies from other institutions can contribute to producing valuable insights. Students have the opportunity to concentrate on various areas, including:

• Organizing awareness programs
• Participating in research-oriented projects
• Developing projects related to diverse civil engineering concepts and challenges
• Co-Hosting events in partnership with national and international organizations

By engaging in these activities, SCEnSS aims to foster an environment that encourages learning, innovation, and collaboration within the field of civil engineering.

The question often arises: why should students focus on such problems instead of their studies? The fundamental response is that students represent the future of their nation, and they should be genuinely concerned about the ongoing changes in infrastructure development. As aspiring civil engineering practitioners, they bear the responsibility of overseeing resource utilization, maintaining technical aspects, and ensuring safety. Civil engineering has expanded its scope significantly, and in Nepal, engineers are regarded as possessing knowledge across various domains, irrespective of their specific degree. Engineers are highly esteemed and seen as problem solvers within Nepalese society, which further emphasizes the students' sense of responsibility. There is a growing trend among students to leave their own country and pursue further studies abroad. It is not perceived as a negative phenomenon to study overseas, but it highlights the fact that the education system in Nepal lacks the strength to retain students within the country. Each year, students studying abroad spend substantial amounts of money on college fees, accommodation expenses, and other related costs. Therefore, urgent action is required both at the student level and by the relevant authorities, as the situation has reached an alarming stage. The presence of vacant seats in engineering colleges signifies that the Nepalese education system is losing its appeal in recent times. In conclusion, I would like to highlight key points. Firstly, it is crucial to raise awareness among students about their active involvement in society's infrastructure development. Secondly, students should strive to contribute to the community through new innovations and projects. Additionally, it is essential to hold responsible authorities for effectively addressing the challenges in civil engineering. Furthermore, efforts should be made to strengthen the Nepalese education system. Lastly, from the perspective of civil engineering, focusing on infrastructure development becomes the initial step towards overall national development. Ayush Karn  President, SCEnSS (Sagarmatha Civil Engineering Students Society)  Sagarmatha Engineering College