Day 1 : 08.05.2025 - Forenoon Session:
Inaugural Session & Keynote Address:
The seminar commenced with the Welcome Address delivered by Dr. J. Krishnamoorthi, Chairman, IEI Coimbatore Local Centre. He warmly greeted the gathering and emphasized the importance of industry-academia collaborations in nurturing young civil engineers. Dr. K S Elango, Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, KPRIET, presented a comprehensive overview “About the Seminar”, detailing the objectives and thematic focus on sustainable materials, smart cities, and circular economy. Mrs. S. Bharani, Assistant Professor, Civil Engineering, KPRIET, introduced the Chief Guest of the day, Dr. M. J. Gopinathan, Managing Director, JPG Housing & Projects (P) Ltd., Coimbatore.
The Inaugural Address by Dr. Gopinathan underscored the need for innovative, eco-conscious construction practices and the role of private firms in driving green development in urban India. The session also included the Release of the Seminar Souvenir, led by Dr. J. Krishnamoorthi, in the presence of all dignitaries on the dais. The vote of thanks was proposed by Dr V Rajeshkumar, Associate Professor, Department Civil Engineering, KPR Institute of Engineering and Technology.
Invited Lecture - 1
In the first technical session following the inaugural, Dr. M. J. Gopinathan, Managing Director, JPG Housing & Projects (P) Ltd., Coimbatore, delivered a keynote address on “Innovative Building Materials.” He emphasized the evolution of construction materials in the context of sustainability and urban growth. Dr. Gopinathan elaborated on modern materials such as geopolymer concrete, recycled aggregates, bamboo reinforcement, and fly ash bricks. He discussed the advantages of using these materials, including reduced carbon emissions, improved durability, and cost-effectiveness.
Invited Lecture - 2
Er. G. Elangovan, Deputy City Engineer, Coimbatore Municipal Corporation, presented an insightful session on “Smart City for Future – Challenges and Complexities.” He addressed the multifaceted challenges in implementing smart city projects in Indian urban landscapes. Er. Elangovan discussed the integration of digital technology, sustainable mobility, urban resilience, and infrastructure upgrades in smart city planning. He explained the operational difficulties including legacy infrastructure, funding constraints, and stakeholder coordination. He also shed light on successful smart initiatives in Coimbatore, such as intelligent traffic systems, digital governance, and smart water management. His session concluded with a call to action for engineers to build resilient cities through innovation, inclusivity, and efficient urban governance.
Afternoon Session:
Invited Lecture - 3
In the third session, Ms. Anjana Suresh K. Nair, Project Coordinator at Green Era Recyclers, Coimbatore, delivered a thought-provoking presentation on “Circular Economy through Urban Mining.” She explained the concept of urban mining as the recovery of raw materials from waste and discarded urban infrastructure. Ms. Anjana emphasized how circular economy practices can help reduce resource depletion and landfill burden. The session highlighted various methods for reclaiming metals, plastics, and construction materials from waste. She also shared real-world examples of businesses practicing urban mining and how such models support both environmental and economic goals. Her talk inspired attendees to think beyond conventional waste management and consider circular solutions that promote sustainability and self-sufficiency in resource use.
Invited Lecture - 4
In the post-tea session, Mr. V. Kavinkumar, Assistant Professor II, Department of Civil Engineering, KPRIET, delivered an informative lecture on “Green Buildings for Urban Development.” He provided a comprehensive overview of green building practices, emphasizing their role in reducing the environmental impact of urban infrastructure.
He discussed the core principles of sustainable architecture, including energy efficiency, water conservation, and the use of eco-friendly materials. Mr. Kavinkumar highlighted various green building certification systems such as LEED and GRIHA, explaining how these frameworks promote environmentally responsible construction.
Day 2: 09.05.2025 - Forenoon Session:
Invited Lecture - 5
Dr. J. Senophiyah Mary, Founder and Environmental Technical Expert, Howest Global, delivered an engaging session on “Advanced Waste Management for a Greener Future.” She focused on next-generation waste management technologies and their environmental benefits. Dr. Senophiyah Mary emphasized the importance of decentralized waste treatment, waste segregation at source, and community participation. She also introduced emerging methods such as bio-methanation, composting, and plasma gasification. Her talk included case studies on successful municipal-level waste solutions in India and abroad. She concluded by urging civil engineers to take the lead in designing waste systems that are scalable, sustainable, and inclusive.
Invited Lecture - 6
Dr. R. Loganathan, Climate Tech Advisor at Howest Global, presented a detailed lecture on “Closing the Urban Water TTRO as a Sustainable Solution for Wastewater Reuse.” He explained the importance of TTRO (Tertiary Treatment Reverse Osmosis) systems in addressing urban water scarcity. Dr. Loganathan discussed the design, operation, and benefits of TTRO plants in recycling wastewater for industrial and non-potable urban use. He highlighted how treated water can reduce dependency on freshwater sources and improve overall water sustainability in cities. The session also touched upon challenges in policy implementation, public perception, and cost management. He encouraged adoption of TTRO systems in large-scale housing, commercial, and institutional projects.
Afternoon Session:
Paper Presentation
The final technical session of the seminar was dedicated to paper presentations, offering a platform for students to showcase their research and innovative ideas.
S. Kaviya presented her research titled “Bubbling Strength: A Study of the Mechanical Behaviour of Air-Entrained Concrete.”
Her study focused on the performance characteristics of air-entrained concrete, examining how air bubbles influence the workability, freeze-thaw resistance, and compressive strength of concrete. The presentation highlighted its relevance in cold regions and long-span concrete structures.
Surenthar B and Dharani N presented their work on “Water Resources Management and Treatment Ideas.”
The duo proposed effective strategies for sustainable water resource utilization, including advanced water treatment technologies, rainwater harvesting systems, and integrated watershed management. Their solutions aimed to address both urban and rural water challenges.
Divya Sree P and Bhavathareni S shared their research titled “Bacillus-Infused Bio-Concrete: Redefining Durability in Modern Construction.”
The presenters discussed the use of Bacillus bacteria in self-healing concrete and how it can seal cracks autonomously, thereby enhancing the structural durability and reducing maintenance costs. This bio-based approach was highlighted as a step forward in green construction practices.
Pooja delivered her presentation on “Evaluating Traffic Operations and Passenger Safety at Transit Stations.”
Her study analyzed traffic patterns, congestion issues, and safety measures at urban transit hubs. She proposed improvements in design layout, pedestrian flow management, and technology integration to enhance the safety and efficiency of transit systems.
The program ended with a valedictory session.
21st Century Engineering College in Coimbatore
World is transforming everyday. In the rapidly evolving engineering landscape, we have an Increased responsibility to transform the engineering education from traditional curriculum to meet the 21st century skills like Creativity, Critical Thinking, Collaboration and Communication. Through our unique and strategic approach we enable our students to learn beyond and prepare them for life long success.
