A two-day workshop on “Carrying Capacity and Hill Area Planning” concluded successfully at the CSLC – Science Museum, Shoghi, organized by the EIACP PC Hub at the Himachal Pradesh Council for Science, Technology & Environment (HIMCOSTE), Shimla, in collaboration with the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA – EIACP PC-RP, New Delhi) from 28th February to 1st March 2026.
The workshop sensitized 58 civil engineering students from nearby universities on sustainable hill development, focusing on carrying capacity assessment, environmental conservation, and scientific approaches to regulating development in fragile mountainous ecosystems.
Dr. Suresh C. Attri, Joint Member Secretary, HIMCOSTE, attended the valedictory session as Chief Guest. He emphasized the importance of understanding the ecological sensitivity of hill areas, disaster vulnerability, and evidence-based planning to maintain environmental balance.
Technical sessions were led by Prof. Dr. M. S. Thakur, Former Engineer-in-Chief, Himachal Pradesh PWD, and Dr. Arunva Poddar, Assistant Professor, Shoolini University. Key topics included safe and sustainable development in hilly terrains, disaster risk management, slope stability, water resource conservation, traffic regulation, and responsible tourism. Experts highlighted that unplanned construction and overuse of natural resources can trigger landslides, water scarcity, and environmental degradation.
Prof. Dr. Meenakshi Dhote, Dean (Academics) and Coordinator, SPA EIACP PC-RP, New Delhi, joined online, appreciating HIMCOSTE’s efforts and the collaborative nature of the program. Certificates were distributed to all participants at the conclusion.
Officials present included Umesh Pathania, Ajay Panwar, Jai Priya (HIMCOSTE), Ekta Chaudhary (SPA EIACP New Delhi), and Dr. Ravikant Thakur (CSLC). The initiative reinforces the importance of environmentally responsible planning and sustainable development in Himachal Pradesh’s hill regions.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
