Research initiative marks a major step in Institute’s commitment to sustainable, applied engineering innovation: Director
Srinagar: Two faculty members from the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar have received a significant research grant of ₹73,60,921.5 from the Ministry of Mines, Government of India, aimed at advancing interdisciplinary research and sustainable engineering.
The funding supports a project titled “Bioremediation-Enhanced Pavement System for Removal of Toxic Elements from Underground Soil,” led by Dr. Vivek from the Civil Engineering Department as the Principal Investigator, alongside Dr. Anshul Gupta from the Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Department as Co-Principal Investigator. The project’s primary goal is to develop sustainable pavement systems that utilize bioremediation techniques to extract toxic elements from underground soil. This innovative approach aims to achieve dual benefits: environmental remediation and improved durability and performance of pavement systems. The researchers intend to create practical solutions for contaminated sites by integrating geotechnical engineering with environmental remediation, focusing on cost-effective and sustainable soil purification methods through biological agents and material engineering strategies. Upon completion, the project is expected to significantly contribute to sustainable infrastructure development and eco-friendly engineering practices across India. NIT Srinagar’s Director, Prof. Binod Kumar Kanaujia, commended the investigators and the Ministry of Mines for their support, emphasizing the institute’s commitment to sustainable technologies and applied research with national significance. He highlighted the importance of engineering innovation in environmental restoration and the institute’s encouragement of collaborative, cross-disciplinary projects that tackle real-world challenges. Registrar Prof. Atikur Rahman also praised the faculty for securing the competitive grant, noting the project’s relevance in addressing urgent environmental issues. He affirmed NIT Srinagar’s dedication to providing the necessary infrastructural and administrative support to ensure the project’s successful execution.
