The Nepal Geotechnical Society (NGS) organized the Geotechnical Model Competition and NGS Youth Symposium 2026 at the Institute of Engineering, Pulchowk Campus, Kathmandu, on Friday. The event was held as a preparatory program for the international conference GeoMandu 2027, scheduled for 17-19 March 2027, under the theme “Mountain Geotechnics for Infrastructure Development.”
The competition showcased physical and conceptual models addressing infrastructure challenges in Nepal’s geologically complex and mountainous terrain. Topics included landslides, sinkholes, earthquake damage, foundation systems, pavements, geogrid applications, hydropower structures, flood and water management, slope stabilization, and tunnelling. The event saw participation from four universities, eight engineering colleges, and eleven student teams, mostly undergraduate engineering students.
Pulchowk Campus won first prize for its model “Siphon Drainage System for Road Slopes to Reduce Landslides.” Universal Engineering and Science College secured first runner-up for “Smart Geotechnical Instrumentation and Early Warning System for Landslide,” while Himalaya College of Engineering placed second runner-up for “Stability Analysis of Cut Slope at Araniko Highway, Dhulikhel, Kavre.” Consolation prizes were awarded to Paschimanchal Campus for a model on smart water management for flood control and groundwater recharge, and to another team from Pulchowk Campus for “Static and Dynamic Analysis of Geogrid-Reinforced Soil in Foundations.”
Alongside the competition, the NGS Youth Symposium 2026 provided a platform for technical exchange and professional discussion. Chaired by Dhundi Raj Pathak, Convener of GeoMandu 2027, the symposium featured technical lectures and a thematic address focused on linking academic research with field practice. Presentations were delivered by Aadarsha Dhakal on modelling of laterally loaded pile foundations, and by Astha Bhatta on flow dynamics and energy dissipation in hydropower systems.
A thematic lecture by Rajan KC highlighted the role of geotechnical engineering in developing safe and resilient road infrastructure in Nepal. The program also included a panel discussion on strengthening transport infrastructure through geotechnical planning, design, and practice. Moderated by Abhash Acharya, the panel brought together experts from government, academia, and the private sector, who emphasized the need for early geotechnical involvement in infrastructure projects and systematic documentation of geotechnical challenges.
NGS General Secretary Kalpana Adhikari outlined the society’s ongoing work in capacity building, youth engagement, and international collaboration. NGS President Indra Prasad Acharya and Conference Chair Mandip Subedi said the event was part of long-term preparations for GeoMandu 2027, which will also host the 11th Asian Young Geotechnical Engineers Conference and the 1st South Asian Conference on Geotechnics in Nepal.
The event concluded with an award ceremony, where awards were presented by Prof. Sushil Bahadur Bajracharya, Dean of the Institute of Engineering, and Bijaya Jaishi, Director General of the Department of Roads.
