A three-day national-level workshop on modern geo-hydrological survey using integrated Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technologies has begun at Nagaland University. The workshop, organised by the Department of Geography from March 11 to 13, 2026, aims to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of mapping lakes, rivers, and reservoirs through advanced geospatial technologies.
The inaugural session on March 11 was chaired by Prof. Sangyu Yaden of the Department of Geography. Delivering the welcome address, Prof. Virendra Kumar, Head of the Department of Geography, highlighted the growing importance of geospatial technology in contemporary geographical research. The programme also featured a traditional song presented by research scholar Tiajungla T. Jamir.
Introducing the workshop, organising secretary Dr. Manasi Debnath explained that integrating UAV and USV technologies enables researchers to collect both surface and underwater data simultaneously, which is particularly valuable for disaster risk reduction in fragile mountainous regions. She also highlighted the Glacier and Mountain Research Lab (GLAMR) established in the department, which is being equipped with advanced UAV and USV technologies to support geo-hydrological research.
Vice-Chancellor of Nagaland University, Prof. Jagadish Kumar Patnaik, congratulated the department for organising the workshop and noted that it has continued to build on its academic legacy while securing external funding for innovative research initiatives. He encouraged the department to pursue collaborative projects under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, expressing hope that such initiatives would contribute not only to academic advancement but also to informed policy-making.
The Chief Guest, Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, emphasised the interconnected nature of Earth’s systems and underlined the importance of scientific research in addressing environmental challenges. He observed that while traditional hydrological survey methods are often time-consuming, modern technologies and data analysis have become essential for managing flood risks, ensuring dam safety, and conducting sediment studies. He also assured support for research initiatives addressing local issues, noting that solutions to regional challenges could contribute to broader global understanding.
The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by research scholar Zulumanen.
The first academic session featured a lecture by Prof. Ajanta Goswami on “Glacier Dynamics, Mass Balance and Ice Water,” highlighting the importance of Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) studies in the Himalayas. He noted that 3,151 GLOF events have been documented globally, including 569 in the Himalayan region, with the eastern Himalayas, particularly Sikkim, considered highly vulnerable.
Dr. Pritam Chand spoke on the use of UAVs in geoscience for precision mapping, environmental assessment, and spatial analysis, highlighting their ability to generate high-resolution orthomosaics and digital surface models even in complex Himalayan terrain. Other sessions included presentations by Dr. Luma Moni Das of NERIWALM, Tezpur, on hydrological and hydraulic modelling for flood risk assessment, and Dr. Anugya Shukla on UAV-based data for hydrological research.
Participants from Uttarakhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Assam, and Nagaland are attending the workshop. The programme will continue with field-based intensive training at Majuli Island in Assam, providing hands-on experience to young researchers in advanced earth-science techniques aimed at strengthening disaster risk reduction and sustainable development in mountainous regions.
