Nepal Geological Society (NGS) organized an International Geoscientific Event “9th Nepal Geological Congress” on 19–21 November 2018 in Kathmandu as a part of its scientific activities. The theme of this congress was “Geoscience for Economic Prosperity and Sustainable Development”. The theme itself is of great significance, which tries to reveal the importance of geology especially the engineering geology and its applications in the sustainable development and economic prosperity of the nation. National Planning Commission, National Reconstruction Authority, President Chure-Terai Madesh Conservation Development Board, Department of Water Resources and Irrigation, Department of Mines and Geology, Kathmandu Metropolitan City, National Society of Earthquake Technology and Department of Geology, Tribhuvan University were the collaborating partners of this international event.
Chief Guest Rt. Honorable Vice-President of Nepal, Nanda Bahadur Pun inaugurated the 9th Nepal Geological Congress (NGC-IX) on November 19, 2018. 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. Rt. Honorable Vice-President of Nepal requested the geoscientists and Nepal Geological Society to work for these important issues. Honorable member of National Planning Commission Dr. Krishna Prasad Oli explained the possibility of exploring and mining of mineral resources in Nepal. Honorable Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of National Reconstruction Authority, Mr. Sushil Gyewali explained how the geoscientists has important role in the reconstruction of the country especially after the 2015 Gorkha Earthquake. Honorable, Chairman of President Chure-Terai Madesh Conservation Development Board, Mr. Birendra Yadav said that the mission of the board and the theme of the Congress are similar, and he expressed his commitment to work together with NGS in future as well. Dr. Kabi Raj Paudyal, President of Nepal Geological Society chaired the session and welcomed all the guests and participants.
Scientific papers from 11 different countries were received with total of 181 abstracts were published; 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. The papers were presented during 3 days from 19 to 21 November 2018 as keynotes, invited lectures and oral/poster presentations in 14 different technical sessions. More than 350 participants attended the NGC-IX.
Finally, Valedictory Session of NGC-IX was concluded on November 21, 2018 and the Chief Guest of the session was Honorable Minister Matrika Prasad Yadav, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Government of Nepal. Distinguished guests from National Reconstruction Authority, President Chure-Terai Madesh Conservation Development Board, National Planning Commission were also present in the session.
Inauguration of 9th Geological Congress (NGC-IX) by the Chief Guest Rt. Honorable Vice-President of Nepal, Nanda Bahadur Pun on November 19, 2018
Dr. Kabi Raj Paudyal, President of Nepal Geological Society (NGS) provided the “Token of Love” to Honorable Minister Matrika Prasad Yadav, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies during the Valedictory Session on November 21, 2018
