About Us

Welcome to
Nepal Geotechnical Society

Nepal Geotechnical Society (NGS) was established in the pursuit of strengthening progressive national cooperation, enhancing exchange of information on research and developments in geotechnical engineering, geosciences, and other geo-related fields, and committing to the welfare of Nepal and the human society. It was formally registered with the Government of Nepal (then ‘Royal Nepalese Government’) in May 1994 (BS: Jestha 2051) by a group of dynamic and internationally motivated geotechnical engineers and academia of Nepal.

In the preliminary stage, the NGS activities were more focused at raising the membership strength, but towards the end of 1990s, various scientific meetings in national level were also given priority on a regular basis so as to exchange the geo-engineering and related knowledge and strengthen the organizational existence in the country. In about a year from the establishment, NGS was affiliated with the International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ISSMGE), the world forum for the geoetchnical engineers and professionals, as one of the Asian member national societies. Then, in 1999, it was also recognized by the International Society for Rock Mechanics (ISRM) as one of the national member societies. Through its affiliation with the ISSMGE and ISRM, NGS members were able to represent the society in various ISSMGE and ISRM conferences, council meetings, and International Young Geotechnical Engineers Conferences as well as Asian Young Geotechnical Engineers Conferences. Until the graduate program in geotechnical engineering was started at the Institute of Engineering (IoE, Tribhuvan University) back in 2007, NGS had to depend for its greater membership strength on geotechnical engineering graduates of overseas universities and colleges, but with the beginning of a master program at IoE, TU, the number of members has currently reached 100 (2013 data) and it is expected that the membership strength will reach 150 within the next two years. NGS welcomes all eligible and interested individuals to be a part of the society’s efforts to develope the field of geotechnical engineering in Nepal.

As of May 2022, Nepal Geotechnical Society (NGS) has completed 28 years of its establishment. In these nearly three decades, it has come through several ups and downs, mainly in institutionalizing its regular activities and increasing the membership strength. In terms of enhancing geotechnical activities and strengthening national geotechnial investigation and design guidelines, the society is still far behind what it could have achieved so far, mainly because of lack of participation and commitment of the geotechnical professionals working with governmental as well as non-governmental organizations in the country. Up until 2003, the strong will of some of overseas-based NGS members, especially from Japan to develop the society as an internationally recognized organization helped it survive a great risk of extinction. Most of its active members were residing in Japan while because of extremely high cost of participating in international activities, the Nepal-based members had little or no interest in ISSMGE-related or any international meetings or activities. This very misunderstanding, and slightly because of less frequent email communications, led to a poor coordination of interest among the overseas- and Nepal-based members, which has somehow influenced the development of NGS so far. The organizational development difficulties can also be attributed to less frequent communication and information exchange forums, largely distributed work places, lack of geotechnical professionals in the government sector, and affiliations of all NGS members with other major or similar organizations, such as Nepal Engineers Association.

NGS was recognized as a national member society of the International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ISSMGE) in 1995, and also of the International Society for Rock Mechanics (ISRM) in 1999. Several NGS members have already participated in various international activities organized by ISSMGE or in collaboration with the ISSMGE, e.g. Asian Regional Conferences, Young Geotechnical Engineers Conferences and ICSMGE. With the passage of time, the NGS members can exploit the national member society status of the ISRM and the ISSMGE. The affiliation with these two international organizations is expected to boost the participation of Nepalese geo-professionals in NGS activities.

Our Objectives

  • To encourage development of cooperation between Geotechnical Engineering and Geo-sciences among the related professionals working within the country and abroad.
  • To fulfill the professional role of Geotechnical Engineering and GeoScience as an endeavour concerned with human welfare.
  • To improve the Geotechnical Professional’s capability and knowledge in a specific field, the society will encourage the specific areas and aims to create an environment for maximum interaction and cooperation.
  • To foster cooperation with International and National organizations for Geotechnical Engineering and GeoScience in other parts of the world.
  • To organize lectures, seminars, and workshops on Geo technologies and related themes.
  • To provide expertise and professional experience and opinion for the technical aid on natural research conservation of soil and environment.

Mission

  • To encourage development of cooperation between Geotechnical Engineering and Geo-sciences among the related professionals working within the country and abroad.
  • To fulfill the professional role of Geotechnical Engineering and GeoScience as an endeavour concerned with human welfare.
  • To improve the Geotechnical Professional’s capability and knowledge in specific field, the society will encourage the specific areas and aims to create an environment for maximum interaction and cooperation.
  • To foster cooperation with International and National organizations for Geotechnical Engineering and GeoScience in other parts of the world.
  • To organize lectures, seminars, workshops on Geo technologies and related themes.
  • To provide expertise and professional’s experience and opinion for the technical aid on natural research conservation of soil and environment.

President's Message​

I am honored to greet you through this message and express my sincere appreciation for your support and belief in me as the President of the Nepal Geotechnical Society. It is with great pride that I acknowledge the society’s recognition in Nepal and globally, thanks to its activities and international representation in ISSMGE and various forums. Geotechnical Engineering, a vital aspect of civil engineering, focuses on the design and study of structures situated on or beneath the ground level. Given Nepal’s geography, with its towering young mountains and its location in a seismically active zone, it becomes even more crucial to consider geotechnical parameters.Unfortunately, this profession is often overlooked in Nepal, leading to numerous challenges in infrastructure development. Consequently, our infrastructure lacks sustainability in terms of both lifespan and functionality. It is imperative that we unite to promote geotechnical professionalism, empower our members, and raise awareness about its importance to the government. I am fully aware of these challenges and will make every effort to fulfill my responsibilities to the best of my abilities. We have lunched our two-year plan/goals and work accordingly.I would also like to acknowledge the immense contributions made by Past President Prof. Dr. Netra Prakash Bhandary and the 6th executive body. It brings me great joy to work alongside A/Prof. Indra Prasad Acharya, Er. Uday Raj Neupane, and all the members of the 7th executive committee. I extend a warm welcome to Er. Prabhat Kumar Jha, Dr. Dhundi Raj Pathak, and other friends who have recently joined our team.Once again, I sincerely thank you for your unwavering support, and I eagerly look forward to working together for the betterment of the Nepal Geotechnical Society.

(2018-2023)

Current COMMITTEE

A General Meeting held on 10 January 2018 endorsed the following team in the Executive Committee for two years (2018-2020).  Due to COVID-19 issues, the May 2020 general body meeting and the election procedures for a new executive committee could not take place, leading to a series of extensions of the executive officials’ term until May 2022. A special general body meeting held on 19 May 2022 decided to expand the executive committee and let it function until May 2023. (revised on 25 May 2022: )

President: Er. Dr. Netra Prakash Bhandary (Professor, Ehime University, Japan)

Dr. Bhandary has a bachelor degree in civil engineering from Aligarh Muslim University of India (1993) and a master degree in engineering (major: geotechnical engineering, 2000) and a doctoral degree in engineering (major: geotechnical engineering/Landslides, 2003) from the Graduate School of Science and Engineering of Ehime University, Japan. Working at Ehime University as a full-time faculty member since 2003 April, he is involved in geotechnical engineering research focusing on landslides and ground shaking behavior during earthquakes. As a fresh civil engineer, he worked as a road engineer for a construction company in Nepal for one year, and then he joined Nepal Engineering College as a faculty member and taught various subjects for three years. He is currently a life member of Nepal Engineers’ Association (NEA), a regular member of Japan Society of Civil Engineers (JSCE), Japanese Geotechnical Society (JGS), Nepal Geotechnical Society (NGS), Japan Landslide Society (JLS), Architectural Institute of Japan (AIJ), GIS Association of Japan, and Americal Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), and a founder member and secretary of Himalayan Landslide Society. He also represents Ehime University in International Consortium on Landslides (ICL) and International Consortium on Geo-disaster Reduction (ISGdR).

Vice President: Er. Dr. Indra Prasad Acharya (Associate Professor, Institute of Engineering Pulchowk Campus, Tribhuvan University)

Dr. Acharya has a bachelor degree in civil engineering from Tribhuvan University (Institute of Engineering Pulchowk Campus, 2000), a master degree in civil engineering with specialization in geotechnical engineering from Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, India (2009), and a PhD with specialization in geotechnical engineering from Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India (2015). Currently working at Pulchowk Campus of Institute of Engineering (Tribhuvan University) as a full-time faculty member (since 2003), he teaches soil mechanics and geotechnical engineering topics to undergraduate as well as graduate students and is also involved in research work in the field of geotechnical engineering and geohazards. He has a long experience in engineering consulting work and training programs for practicing engineers. He is a life member of Nepal Engineers’ Association (NEA), a general member of Indian Geotechnical Society (IGS) and Nepal Geotechnical Society NGS), and a registered engineer of Nepal Engineering Council (NEC).

Vice President: Er. Prabhat Kumar Jha, Joint Secretary (Tech.) Ministry of Physical Infrastreucture and Transport

Mr. Jha is Joint Secretary (Tech.) Ministry of Physical Infrastreucture and Transport, currently working as Deputy Director general of Department of Roads. He has more than 17 year working experience as Highway Engineer. He has experienced in road and bridge planning, design, construction and maintenance. Also, he has good knowledge of public procurement management.

Mr. Jha holds a M.Sc. in Geotechnical  Engineering from Institute of Engineering/Pulchowk Campus, Tribhuwan University, Nepal.

He is a member of Nepal Engineers’ Association (NEA), Nepal Geotechnical Society (NGS), and a registered engineer of Nepal Engineering Council (NEC).

Joint Secretary: Er. Darshan Babu Adhikari, (Senior Geotechnical Engineer, ChesCo)

Er. Darshan Babu Adhikari has a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering (2012) a Master’s Degree in Geotechnical Engineering (2016) from Tribhuwan University (Institute of Engineering Pulchowk Campus) and a Post Graduate Certificate of Specialization in the Assessment and Management of Geological and Climate-Related Risk of CERG-C (2018) program from University of Geneva, Switzerland. Currently, he is working with Chilime Jalavidhyut Company Limited (CJCL) and Chilime Engineering & Services Company Limited (ChesCo) as an Assistant Manager/Senior Geotechnical Engineer. He has been involved in Geotechnical studies, investigations and analysis for the detail feasibility study of Budhi Gandaki Prok Hydroelectric Project (81MW, 93MW) Gorkha, Seti Nadi-3 Hydroelectric Project (SN3HEP-87MW) Bajhang and Chumchet Syar Khola Hydroelectric Project (45 MW) Gorkha owned by Chilime Jalavidhyut Company Limited. He also has been involved in the Geophysical and Geotechnical Investigation works of the Kathmandu Terai/Madhesh Expressway Project. He is a member of the Nepal Engineers’ Association (NEA), Nepal Geotechnical Society (NGS), Nepal Tunnelling Association (NTA), and also a registered engineer of the Nepal Engineering Council (NEC).

Joint Secretary: Er. Ujjwal Niraula, (Assistant Senior Lecturer, Everest Engineering College)

Ujjwal Niraula is an accomplished civil engineer specializing in geotechnical engineering. He holds a Master’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering (IOE-Pulchowk Campus, 2022 A.D.) with Distinction and a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering (IOE-Eastern Regional Campus, 2018 A.D.) with First Division honors from Tribhuvan University. He serves as an Assistant Senior Lecturer at Everest Engineering College, sharing his knowledge and guiding aspiring civil engineers. He has experience as a Technical Officer-Engineer at the National Society for Earthquake Technology (NSET-Nepal) and as the Founder and Geotechnical Engineer at Pluton Engineering and Geo Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

He possesses a strong understanding and practical experience in geotechnical laboratory work, including expertise in conducting the Triaxial Test, Unconfined Compressive Strength Test, Direct Shear Test, and various soil classification tests. Additionally, he has actively participated in diverse soil investigation fieldwork projects. He is a registered engineer of the Nepal Engineering Council (NEC) and a member of the Nepal Geotechnical Society (NGS) and Nepal Engineer’s Association (NEA).

Treasurer (Er. Rajan KC, Geotechnical Engineer, Geotech and Associates P. Ltd., Lalitpur, Nepal)

Rajan KC is a Geotechnical Engineer currently working at Geotech and Associates P. Ltd. in Lalitpur, Nepal. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from Tribhuvan University (Institute of Engineering, Pulchowk Campus, 2019) and a Master of Science in Geotechnical Engineering from the same university (2022). He has a diverse background in research, teaching, and consulting. He served as a Research Scholar at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur for four months in 2022. Additionally, he worked as a Research Assistant at Universal Engineering and Science College (UESC) in Lalitpur, Nepal. Rajan has also contributed as a part-time faculty member, teaching Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering at various engineering colleges in Nepal.

With a keen interest in geotechnical engineering, Rajan has focused his research and consulting efforts on areas such as foundation engineering, slope stability, geotechnical earthquake engineering, geohazards, and geotechnical testing and investigations. His Master’s thesis was recognized with the ‘Excellent Graduate Thesis Award’ by the Nepal Geotechnical Society in 2023. It was based on the research project signed between the Department of Roads (DoR) and the Institute of Engineering (IoE) entitled “Finding the Behaviour of Well-Pile Combo Bridge Foundation”. This will be ultimately used as a baseline document for the preparation of design guidelines of the combo foundation.

Rajan is an active member of professional organizations, including the Nepal Geotechnical Society (NGS), Geotechnical Extreme Events Reconnaissance (GEER), Nepal Engineers’ Association (NEA), and the registered engineer of the Nepal Engineering Council (NEC).

Executive Member: Dr. Dhundi Raj Pathak, (Director, Engineering Study and Research Center)

Mr. Pathak is a Director of the Engineering Study and Research Centre, a research-based consulting company founded in Nepal in 2011. He is a faculty at Tribhuwan University, Nepal, and teaches GIS and Landfill Engineering & Solid Waste Management. He is currently working as an individual solid waste management specialist in the World Bank and also consults for several development partners, INGOs, and governments at both national and international projects in the field of civil and geoenvironmental engineering and infrastructure planning and design for more than 20 years. His primary area of expertise is integrated waste management and circular economy, landfill engineering, geoenvironmental hazard and risk assessment, GIS and infrastructure planning. He also works on geotechnical investigation planning and analysis, foundation design and slope stability. He was appointed as a technical expert member by the Government of Nepal for field verification and capacity assessment of different international bidders for the ISWM project of Kathmandu Valley.

Mr. Pathak holds a PhD in Geoenvironmental Engineering from Japan and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and a Master’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering from the Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University, Nepal.  He has received the Nepal Bidhya Bhusan Award ‘A’, and the Nepal Bidhya Bhusan Class ´B´ medal for his outstanding performance (rank 1) in Master in Geotechnical Engineering from Tribhuwan University, Nepal. He has received several fellowships and grants and published nearly two dozen peer-reviewed articles along with several international presentations. He served as an editorial board member of the Journal of Water Resources and Protection from 2009 to 2015 and is a reviewer of numerous environmental engineering journals, including Waste Management.

Executive Member: Mr. Jibendra Mishra (PhD Candidate at Ehime University)

Jibendra Misra is an accomplished registered engineer specializing in design innovation and public procurement. With a master’s degree in Structural Engineering, he has made significant contributions throughout his career working in various roles within the Department of Roads, including engineer, project manager, and senior divisional engineer, Jibendra has successfully implemented innovative design solutions for bridge and highway projects.

Jibendra’s interest in public procurement has led him to be involved in various committees within the Department of Roads. He has served as a member and member secretary, contributing to departmental-level variation and evaluation committees, and has also delivered numerous lectures related to various aspects of public procurement management.

Currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Ehime University, Japan, his research focuses on bridge foundation, and he is a life member of the Nepal Engineers Association (NEA), Nepal Geotechnical Society (NGS).

Executive Member: Mr. Kamal Prasad Regmi (Technical and Procurement Expert at PSP)

Mr. Regmi is a Technical and Procurement expert at Provincial Support Program (PSP) in the office of the chief minister and council of ministers (OCMCM), Koshi Province. He has more than 15 year working experience in development sector basically in the field of infrastructures development.  In addition, He has experienced in road construction and maintenance along with slope stabilization techniques and bio engineering techniques. Also, he has a good knowledge about the project planning and implementation. He has good working experience with three layers of Governments, development partners and private sectors too.

Mr. Regmi holds a Masters degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering specializing on  Geotechnical Engineering from Saitama University of Japan. The Master’s thesis topic is “stability of subsurface cavity in Base course”.

He is a member of Nepal Engineers’ Association (NEA), Nepal Geotechnical Society (NGS), and also a registered engineer of Nepal Engineering Council (NEC).

Executive Member: Dr. Pradeep pokhrel, (Sr. Geotechnical Engineer, Viswa Consult)

Dr. Pokhrel is a Geotechnical Engineer, currently working as Sr. Geo-tech Engineer at Viswa Consult Pvt. Ltd. He is also an academic director at Lumbini International Academy of Science and Technology (LIAST), Lumbini Buddhist University. He has working experience in the field of geotechnical engineering, teaching, thesis supervision, and disaster risk reduction. He has good experience in geotechnical investigation, soil tests and their classification, foundation design, soil treatment and ground improvement techniques, and slope stability. In addition, he has the experience and good knowledge of geo-disaster mitigation, and disaster risk management. Furthermore, he has good expertise in teaching and supervising the thesis of master-level students.

Dr. Pokhrel holds a Master’s and Ph.D. degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering specializing in Geotechnical Engineering from Saitama University, Japan. He also holds a Master’s degree in Disaster Risk management from the Institute of Engineering, Pulchowk Campus, Tribhuwan University, Nepal.

He is a member of the Nepal Engineers Association (NEA), Nepal Geotechnical Society (NGS), and a registered engineer of the Nepal Engineering Council (NEC)

Executive Member: Er. Prashanta Poudel (Managing Director at Geo Engineering Pvt. Ltd)

Mr. Poudel likes to introduce himself as a mid-career, emerging, and learning Geotechnical Engineer and desires to contribute to the field of Geotechnical Engineering in Nepal. He is a Graduate of the University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan (2015), and holds his M.Tech in Geotechnical Engineering from SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, India (2020). He presently serves as Managing Director/Geotechnical Engineer at Geo Engineering Pvt. Ltd. located in Hetauda, Nepal. He is mostly engaged in providing consulting, design, and testing services to National and International contractors working on the Kathmandu Terai Madhesh Fast Track (Expressway) Road Project.  Additionally, he is involved in the geotechnical investigation of the Mechi Mahakali Electrified Railway Line Project (Nijgadh-Hetauda-Chitwan section) and the SASEC Highway Improvement Project (Pathlaiya-Hetauda-Narayangadh section) and other regular projects as well. His research interests include the study of properties and stabilization methods of expansive soils, properties of rocks in the Siwalik Range, and Intermediate Geo-Materials. He has worked as a Socio-Technical Engineer in many projects of NGOs and INGOs in Nepal and he is presently a student of M.A. in Sociology as well.

His major working areas include Geotechnical, Geological, and Geophysical Investigation for Tunnels, Bridges, and Slopes and overall report preparation including Laboratory Testing of soil and rock samples, Bearing Capacity and settlement Analysis in soil, intermediate geo-materials and rocks, slope stability analysis in soil and rock formation, Seismic Down Hole Tests, Seismic Hazard Analysis, Pile Integrity Tests, Cross-Hole Sonic Logging and Pile Driving Analyzer Tests and others.

He is a member of the Nepal Engineers’ Association (NEA), Nepal Geotechnical Society (NGS), and a registered engineer with the Nepal Engineering Council (NEC).

Contact: +977-9849586031

Email: [email protected], [email protected]

Executive Member: Er. Suvarna Singh Raut, (Geotechnical Engineer, Senior Lecturer, Himalaya College of Engineering)

Er. Suvarna Singh Raut has a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering (2014) from Kathmandu University and a Master’s Degree in Geotechnical Engineering (2020) from Tribhuwan University (Institute of Engineering Pulchowk Campus). Currently, he is working with Himalaya College of Engineering as a Senior Lecturer. He is a freelancer Geotechnical Engineer. He has been involved in Geotechnical studies, investigations, and analysis for Slope Stability analysis in different parts of Nepal. He is also involved in Research in different academic projects.

He has sound knowledge and experience in Bearing capacity evaluation and Slope stability works and has experience in various Geotechnical activities like core drilling, soil investigations, bearing capacity analysis-mapping and risk assessment, rock support analysis, foundation analysis, retaining walls, and coffer dams.

He is a member of the Nepal Engineers’ Association (NEA), Nepal Geotechnical Society (NGS), and also a registered engineer of the Nepal Engineering Council (NEC).

He has also worked as Vice-President of the Nepal Geotechnical Student Society[2018-2020].

Youth Coordinator: Er. Saroj Prasad Adhikari (Assistant Lecturer, Himalaya College of Engineering)

Er. Adhikari holds Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the Institute of Engineering, Pulchowk Campus. He is currently pursuing his master’s degree in geotechnical engineering, focusing on ground response analysis, particularly in relation to seismic events. His master’s thesis explores ground response analysis, aiming to enhance the understanding of soil dynamics.

Er. Adhikari is currently serving as an Assistant Lecturer at Himalaya College of Engineering, where he imparts his knowledge and expertise to aspiring undergrad Students. His transition to academia was preceded by valuable experience in the construction industry, where he gained significant hands-on experience in building construction. This practical background further complements his academic pursuits and strengthens his ability to bridge the gap between theory and application.

He is a member of the Nepal Engineers’ Association (NEA), Nepal Geotechnical Society (NGS), and a registered engineer with the Nepal Engineering Council (NEC).