The 3rd issue of the journal, Vol.2, N. 1, January-June 2013 ... - ISRM

36 ISRM (India) JournalLighting of Lamp by V.K. KanjliaThe seminar focused on the issues and challenges inintegration of exploratory techniques for improving thereliability of geological assessment, and provided a forumto discuss matters of adoption of appropriate constructionmethodologies supplemented by contractual provisionrelated to geological information and sharing of risks thatare generally issues of concern. During the Seminar,issues related to generating structural geological modelsfor mechanized tunneling sites as well as the selectionof TBM types, specific for the site conditions, werediscussed.Following were the topics proposed for discussions duringthe Seminar:• Integrating Exploratory Techniques for ReliableGeological Assessment• Provisions for Looking Ahead in Critical Areas inConstruction• Importance of Slope Stability in HydroelectricProjects• Role of Geology in Deployment of TBMMore than 140 delegates from India and abroadparticipated in the Seminar.During the Inaugural Session, Mr. D.P. Bhargava, Director(Technical), NHPC Limited, welcomed the dignitaries onthe dais and the participants.Mr. A.S. Bakshi, Chairperson, Central ElectricityAuthority, in his address mentioned that geologicaluncertainties and unexpected strata encountered duringconstruction of tunnels and underground works ofhydropower projects, especially the large ones, result inunforeseen problems, increased quantities of execution,and time & cost overruns. He expressed the hope thatproject developers, contractors, consultants, engineers,suppliers, researchers who were attending the seminarwould be greatly benefited from deliberations regardingthe state-of-art technology and modern methodologyin overcoming challenges occurring due to geologicaluncertainties during the construction of hydroelectricprojects and thus minimize the cost overruns.Mr. Devendra Chaudhry, Additional Secretary toGovernment of India, Ministry of Power, mentioned thatHydro Electric Projects having about 6000 MW potentialwere affected by geological problems at present, andexpressed the hope that the very purpose of the Seminarwould be not just to address a very large interesting andwider range of issues, but the focus should be to addresswhat were the problems in those projects.Volume 2 No. 1 January 2013