Pics by: Justin D’Silva
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Sep 16: Association of Consulting Civil Engineers and Architect (ACCEA) Udupi observed Engineers' day at Banquet hall in Hotel Ocean Pearl here on Sunday, September 15.
Chief guest of the occasion, concrete technologist Prof M S Shetty inaugurated the programme. Guest of honour, retired chief engineer KPCL, Anand G Kulkarni was present.
Er Dinesh Bhat, managing partner, INDEVOR services, Brahmavar, Suresh Naik, proprietor, Sridevi Glass house, Neha Bhat for academic excellence and M S Shetty, were felicitated by the association.
After receiving the honour, M S Shetty said, “My primary concern is the non-availability of sand for the construction sector, in the other parts of country, mainly in Udupi and South Canara districts. Is it really a problem? It is just made by some sector of society. It pains me due to the extent of crime by seeing the builders and construction industry.
“Engineers are contributing a lot towards the development of nation than other service sectors. Let us do our work for the development of nation.
“The government of India logically, correctly banned the dredging of sand, which is a natural source. Did anywhere else in the country banned extraction of sand? Because it is interference with the nature and ecological balance. The learned people have taken this course, which is badly affecting only the construction sector.
“Concrete plays an important role in nation building. After the independence till today mind boggling difference has taken place in terms of buildings, bridges, flyover, metro, and even our life style.
“In a year around 20% of the national budget is spent only on concrete. There are lots of obligations in the constructions. It is in the hands of engineers to make it as trust worthy, loyal material. We should make it durable, much better for the country and make good concrete for modern India.
“Today, fly ash is important for concrete mixing and today’s engineers need to understand the importance and technique in construction. I have dedicated my life in disseminating the knowledge and information, which is gathered from different sources.”
Anand G Kulkarni, who has served in different departments said, “This time heavy rain made havoc in many parts of Karnataka, but not a single bridge has been damaged. This year, the concerned engineers discharged water from the dam Linganamakki, when it was filled. Due to that, everything is washed away and downstream regions were destroyed completely. There is a stereotype in engineers that water should fill completely in the dam before opening the dam wall. But this is not the principle and engineers should not be done.”
Er M Gopal Bhat, president of the association extended welcome.
Nagesh Hegde, honorary president, Amith Arvind, secretary and Nandakumar, member of ACCEA, was present on the dais.