Introduction

The coastal regions worldwide are facing increasing challenges due to climate change, with rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and coastal erosion threatening infrastructure and ecosystems. The importance of climate adaptation strategies in coastal and hydraulic engineering has never been greater, especially in regions with dense populations and significant economic activity, such as the Indian coastline.

This three-day workshop aims to bring together experts, researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders from various disciplines to share insights and best practices on building climate-resilient coastal infrastructure. Participants will gain knowledge on innovative techniques and tools, such as physical modelling, nature-based solutions, and the use of geotextiles, to tackle the growing threats posed by climate change. The event will feature technical presentations, interactive panel discussions, and a field visit to foster collaboration and exchange of ideas.

Organizers and Collaborating Institutions

1.  IAHR IIT Madras Institute Chapter: The International Association for Hydro-Environment Engineering and Research (IAHR) IIT Madras Institute Chapter is a vibrant academic and research hub for students and professionals in the field of hydraulics and environmental engineering. The chapter focuses on advancing the state-of-the-art knowledge in water resources, ocean engineering, and coastal protection.

2. IAHR Southern-India Young Professionals Network (IAHR SI YPN): The IAHR SI YPN is a dynamic network that brings together early-career professionals passionate about water, coastal, and hydraulic engineering. The network is dedicated to fostering collaboration, learning, and professional development through initiatives that bridge the gap between academia, industry, and policy-making.

3. ABCD Centre, IIT Madras: The Global Water and Climate Adaptation Centre, Aachen – Bangkok – Chennai – Dresden (ABCD Centre) (https://abcd-centre.org/), one of the Global Centres (Environment and Health) funded by DAAD through Ministry of Foreign Office, Government of Germany, at IIT Madras is dedicated to research on sustainable and resilient infrastructure. It focuses on providing climate-resilient solutions that help mitigate the impacts of climate change on urban and coastal environments.

4. The Indian Society for Hydraulics (ISH): The Indian Society for Hydraulics (ISH) is a professional organization dedicated to advancing the field of hydraulics and water resources engineering in India. Established to promote research, knowledge dissemination, and collaboration among professionals, ISH organizes conferences, workshops, and publishes journals to foster innovation and practical solutions in areas such as fluid mechanics, hydrology, and hydraulic structures. The society plays a crucial role in connecting academics, industry experts, and policymakers to address challenges related to water management and sustainable development.

5. CWPRS, Pune: The Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS) in Pune is India’s premier research institution under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, focused on water resources, hydraulic structures, and coastal engineering. CWPRS provides invaluable contributions to port development, hydropower projects, and climate-resilient structures. It also collaborates internationally, offering technical expertise to various developing countries.

Highlights of the Workshop

As coastal areas face escalating threats from climate change, including rising sea levels, storm surges, and coastal erosion, it becomes critical to develop robust, climate-resilient solutions. This workshop addresses the urgent need for adaptive strategies in coastal and hydraulic engineering, ensuring that infrastructure and communities can withstand the increasing frequency and intensity of climate-related events.

By integrating academic expertise, practical insights from industry leaders, and cutting-edge research, this workshop will provide participants with a holistic understanding of current challenges and the innovative technologies and methodologies being developed to address them. The focus will be on sustainable and nature-based solutions, physical modeling, and the role of geotextiles and climate-resilient structures in safeguarding coastal regions.

The interactive panel discussions will provide opportunities for stakeholders, researchers, and policymakers to exchange insights and develop actionable frameworks for future collaboration. With participation from leading institutions like IIT Madras, RWTH, IAHR and CWPRS, this workshop is poised to have a profound impact on coastal protection efforts across India and beyond.

Key Features

• Expert-led Sessions: Presentations by internationally recognized experts from leading institutions such as IIT Madras, RWTH Aachen, and CWPRS, Pune, etc.,

• Cutting-edge Topics: Discussions on climate adaptation, nature-based solutions, geotechnical safety, and the use of physical modelling in port development.

• Interactive Panel Discussions: Insights from experienced professionals, government officials, and industry representatives on the future of climate-resilient coastal infrastructure.

• Collaborative Environment: Cross-disciplinary collaboration among engineers, environmentalists, researchers, and stakeholders to develop integrated solutions for coastal resilience.

• Technical Tour: A field visit of the CWPRS campus, to offer participants first-hand experience of ongoing projects and practical implementations in coastal protection.

Speakers (Tentative)

• Prof. V. Sundar, Emeritus Professor (Retd.), Department of Ocean Engineering, IIT Madras.

• Prof. S. A. Sannasiraj, Chair Professor, Department of Ocean Engineering, IIT Madras.

• Prof. K. Murali, Dean & Professor, Department of Ocean Engineering, IIT Madras.

• Prof. Dr.-Ing. Holger Schüttrumpf, Director and Chair, IWW, RWTH Aachen, Germany.

• Dr. R. S. Kankara, Director, CWPRS.

• Dr. Prabhat Chandra, Additional Director, CWPRS.

• Mr. Hariram, Vice President – IAHR SI YPN, Department of Ocean Engineering, IIT Madras.

• Shri A. A. Purohit, Scientist-E, CWPRS

• Shri A. V. Mahalingaiah, Scientist-E, CWPRS

• Dr. M. Phanikumar, Scientist-D, CWPRS

• Mrs. J. S. Edlabadkar, Scientist-D, CWPRS

• Dr. Jaya Kumar S, Chief Scientist, CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography (CSIR-NIO)

• Smt Jyoti Patil, Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB)

Tentative Schedule

Day 1: 17th October 2024 (Thursday)

• 09:00-09:30: Registration

• 09:30-10:00: Inauguration

• 10:00-10:45: Strategies of Climate Adaptation in Coastal and Hydraulic Engineering – Prof. H. Schuttrumpf, RWTH Aachen, Germany

• 10:45-11:15: Group Photo & High Tea

• 11:15-11:35: Hydraulics of Port Development along West Coast of India – Shri A. A. Purohit, CWPRS

• 11:35-11:55: Design of Climate Resilient Coastal Hydraulic Structures – Shri A. V. Mahalingaiah, CWPRS

• 11:55-12:15: The Essential Role of Physical Modeling in Port Development – Dr. M. Phanikumar, CWPRS

• 12:15-12:35: Geotechnical Safety Aspects of Coastal Structures – Mrs. J. S. Edlabadkar, CWPRS

• 12:35-12:55: Environmental Protection in Coastal Areas – Smt Jyoti Patil, MMB

• 12:55-14:00: Lunch

• 14:00-14:45: Post-facto Evaluation of Coastal Protection along Kerala/West Coast – Prof. V. Sundar, IIT Madras

• 14:45-15:30: Shoreline Management and Coastal Protection – Prof. S. A. Sannasiraj, IIT Madras

• 15:30-15:45: Break

• 15:45-17:15: Panel Discussion: Past Lessons Learnt and Present Improvements on Climate Resilient Coastal Structures

  Moderator: Prof. V. Sundar, IIT Madras

  Panelists:

  1. Dr. Prabhat Chandra, CWPRS

  2. Shri A. A. Purohit, CWPRS

  3. Government Official – Maritime Board

  4. Prof. S. A. Sannasiraj, IIT Madras

  5. Prof. H. Schuttrumpf, RWTH Aachen

  6. Officials from Implementing Agencies [To be Confirmed]

  7. Representative from Stakeholders [To be Confirmed]

• 17:15-17:30: Closing Remarks – Day 1

Day 2: 18th October 2024 (Friday)

• 09:30-10:00: Perception of Coastal Vegetation as Sustainable Protection Measures – Mr. Hariram, IAHR SI YPN

• 10:00-10:45: Geotextiles in Coastal Engineering – Prof. V. Sundar, IIT Madras

• 10:45-11:15: Break

• 11:15-12:00: Nature-based Solutions for Coastal Protection – Prof. H. Schuttrumpf, RWTH Aachen, Germany

• 12:00-12:45: Modeling of Storm Surges along the Indian Coast – Prof. K. Murali, IIT Madras

• 12:45-14:00: Lunch

• 14:00-14:45: Climate Change Impacts on Coasts – Prof. S. A. Sannasiraj, IIT Madras

• 14:45-15:30: Observation of Ship Wake Induced Waves in the Hooghly Estuary – Prof. K. Murali, IIT Madras

• 15:30-15:45: Break

• 15:45-17:15: Panel Discussion: Way Forward in Climate Resilient Coastal Systems and Infrastructure

  Moderator: [To be Confirmed]

  Panelists:

  1. Dr. R. S. Kankara, Director, CWPRS

  2. Shri A. V. Mahalingaiah, CWPRS

  3. Government Official – Maritime Board [To be Confirmed]

  4. Prof. K. Murali, IIT Madras

  5. Prof. V. Sundar, IIT Madras

  6. Prof. S. A. Sannasiraj, IIT Madras

  7. Prof. H. Schuttrumpf, RWTH Aachen

• 17:15-17:30: Closing Remarks – Day 2

Day 3: 19th October 2024 (Saturday)

• 09:00-12:30: Technical Tour and Field Visit of CWPRS Campus.

  
  

This workshop will serve as a platform for knowledge exchange, promoting innovative solutions for climate-resilient coastal infrastructure. The collaboration between leading institutions such as IIT Madras, CWPRS, and the IAHR networks will ensure that participants are exposed to cutting-edge research and practical applications that can shape the future of coastal protection.