The fourth edition of the National Convention of Civil Engineers (NATCON) kicked off in Coimbatore on Thursday, bringing together experts from across India and abroad to address pressing climate change challenges. The two-day event, organized by the Association of Consulting Civil Engineers, India (ACCE), runs from July 23 to 24, 2026.
Chairman C.J. Ragunathan emphasized that every era is defined by its infrastructure, and civil engineers play a crucial role in building a sustainable future. ‘Smart, sustainable and resilient structures can protect the environment and promote responsible resource culture,’ he said, adding that NATCON enables knowledge sharing to provide transformational solutions.
ACCE President Rajendra Kalbavi Rao noted the post-COVID digital shift, highlighting that AI and 3D printing are now central to construction. He drew an analogy to seedless fruits to argue that technology keeps civil engineers relevant. P. Parameswaran, Chairman of ACCE Coimbatore, expressed pride in hosting the convention in a tier II city with international speakers.
Chief guest Justice R. Suresh Kumar, former Madras High Court judge, inspired attendees by referencing mythological structures like Lankapuri and Dwaraka, and Tamil Nadu’s engineering marvels such as the Grand Anicut and the Big Temple, built without mortar. The convention aims to forge pathways for sustainable development in an urbanizing world.
Article source: covaipost.com | Image credit: The Covai Mail
