1. Background

Nepal Geological Society (NGS) is one of the most dynamic professional organizations in Nepal, and is well known for its continuing academic and professional activities in national as well as international level since its establishment. One of the main focuses of this society is to provide platforms to the national as well as international geoscientists for sharing their research findings and establishing international networks for the advancement of research and development in the field of geosciences and engineering. Nepal Geological Society organized an international geoscientific event named “10th Nepal Geological Congress” from March 7-8 at Radisson Hotel, Kathmandu, as a part of its scientific activities. The theme of this congress wad “Geosciences for Sustainable Development and Prosperity”. The theme of the congress itself is of great significance, which tries to reveal the importance of geology and its applications in the sustainable development and economic prosperity of the nations.

National Planning Commission, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, National Reconstruction Authority, Department of Mines and Geology, Department of Water Resources and Irrigation, National Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Authority, Tribhuvan University, National Society for Earthquake Technology were the collaborating patterns of this international event.

2. Inaugural Session

Chief guest Honorable Minister of Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Lekh Raj Bhatta inaugurated the 10th Nepal Geological Congress on 7th of March 2021 by lightening the traditional lamp in the Panas. He highlighted the importance of geosciences to minimize the disaster risk and exploration as well as mining of important mineral resources of Nepal for the economic prosperity and sustainable development of the country. Honorable Minister requested the geoscientists and Nepal Geological Society to work for these important issues. Honorable CEO of National Reconstruction Authority has explained the role of geoscients in Reconstruction works after Gorkha Earthquake 2015. The role of geoscientist is remarkable in mining and mineral resources exploration mainly in construction material for development and economic pros[erity. Honorable member of National Commission Mr.Ram Kumar Phuyal explained the possibility of exploring and mining of mineral resources in Nepal providing illustration and examples from historical books and quotes. Mr. Sagar Kumar Rai, Secretary of Water and Energy Commission explained how the geoscientists has important role in the development of the country.Mr. Ram Prasad Ghimire, President of Nepal Geological Society, chaired the session and welcomed all the guests and participants. Convener, Dr. Subodh Dhakal highlighted the program.Vice- President of NGS Mr. Narayan Gopal Ghimire provided vote of thanks.

3. Technical Sessions

Scientific papers from different countries were received from 11 countries. Total of 75 research summaries (abstracts) were received from the 11 different countries; majority of them belongs to the themes of geohazard mitigation and disaster risk management, groundwater exploration, infrastructure development, mineral and construction materials exploration. All these are related to economic prosperity of the country. Out of these, 12…papers were selected for oral presentation. These papers were presented during 2 days from March 7-8, 2021 in 6 keynotes and invited talk sessions, and 2 different technical sessions. The themes of technical sessions and the papers presented in each of them are summarized in Table

The main theme of the Congress is Geosciences for Sustainable Development and Prosperity. The theme of the congress itself is of great significance, which tries to reveal the importance of geology and its applications in the sustainable development and economic prosperity of the nations. For this purpose, knowledge from different sectors of geo-sciences can be utilized. The Congress will focus on the following sectors and sub-themes:

1. Geological mapping, Stratigraphy and Regional tectonics
2.  Advances in Mineralogy, Petrology and Geochemistry
3. Exploration and Mining of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Natural Gases
4. Engineering Geology for Sustainable Infrastructure Development
5. Geo-Hazard Assessment, Risk Reduction and Mitigation
6. Hydropower Development and Tunneling
7. Hydrogeology and Water Resources
8. Advances in Geophysics, Earthquake Seismology and Seismo-tectonics
9. Environmental Geology and Climate Change Issues in Geosciences
10. Plans, Policies and Strategies of Nepal Government on utilizing geosciences
11. Women and Youths in geological sciences
12. Geotourism and Geo-heritage Conservation
13. Promoting Geoethics for Sustainability
14. COVID-19 and Earth Science Studies