One Day Industrial Visit to Waterbody Dredging Site, Lamphelpat

1.	The highlight of the event	The site visit to Lamphelphat for dredging works by the students and faculty of Manipur Technical University was an enlightening experience, showcasing the practical applications of civil engineering and environmental management. The visit highlighted the critical role of dredging in flood management, waterway maintenance, and ecosystem preservation.
2.	Date	29/04/2024
3.	Time	1300 to 1600 Hours
4.	Venue	Lamphelpat, Imphal West
5.	Mode of event	Field Visit
6.	Resource Person(s)	1. Irom Michael, Executive Engineer, Electrical & Mechanical Division, Water Resources Department, Government of Manipur 2. Sk Saimul Islam, Project Manager, Lamphelpat Waterbody, Reach Dredging Limited, Kolkata
7.	Coordinator(s)	1. Nongmaithem Anand, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, Manipur Technical University 2. Gyanen Takhelmayum, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, Manipur Technical University
8.	Participants	8^th and 6^th Semester students, 3 faculties and subordinate staffs
9.	About the event	The visit was facilitated by Water Resources Department, Govt. of Manipur and Reach Dredging Limited and provided hands-on exposure to the dredging operations currently underway at Lamphelphat.
10.	A brief note on the subject matter or topic	Dredging is a vital engineering process that involves the removal of sediments and debris from the bottom of lakes, rivers, harbors, and other water bodies. This process is essential for maintaining the navigability of waterways, preventing flooding, and restoring aquatic ecosystems. The dredging works at Lamphelphat are particularly significant due to the region’s susceptibility to heavy rainfall and flooding.
11.	Aim and Objective	The primary aim of the site visit was to provide students with practical insights into dredging operations and their importance in environmental management. The objectives included: Understanding the technical aspects of dredging. Observing the equipment and machinery used in the process. Learning about the environmental and ecological impacts of dredging. Discussing the challenges and solutions in executing large-scale dredging projects.
12.	Coordinator’s Statement	This visit was an invaluable opportunity for our students to witness first-hand the complexities and importance of dredging operations. It complements our theoretical knowledge with practical experience, thereby enhancing our overall understanding of environmental engineering and management.
13.	Future Action/ Follow – up Action Plan	To build on the knowledge gained from the site visit, the following actions are planned: Conducting a detailed workshop on dredging techniques and equipment. Organizing a seminar with experts from the field to discuss the latest advancements and challenges in dredging. Encouraging students to undertake projects and research on related topics. Establishing a collaboration with the agency conducting the dredging works for future site visits and internships.
14.	Event Outcomes with concluding remarks	The site visit successfully met its objectives, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of dredging operations. Participants gained valuable insights into the technical, environmental, and logistical aspects of dredging. The hands-on experience and interactions with professionals in the field have significantly enhanced the students’ practical knowledge and inspired many to explore careers in environmental and civil engineering.
15.	Acknowledgement	The coordinators would like to express my special thanks of gratitude to Water Resources Department, Government of Manipur and Reach Dredging Limited, Kolkata, Shri Ng. Bhogendra Meitei, Registrar, MTU and Shri K. Biju Singh, Assistant Registrar and Finance Officer, MTU for their support on conducting this programme. I would also like to extend my gratitude to all the faculties and staffs of Department of Civil Engineering, MTU for their immense support throughout the programme. And lastly, I would like to extend my gratitude to all the participants for their efforts and active participation in the programme.