One-Day International Conclave on “Urban Planning and Land-Use Science: A Civil Engineering Perspective”

Nov 07, 2025

Dr. Vishwanath Karad MIT World Peace University, Pune, successfully hosted a One-Day International Conclave on “Urban Planning and Land-Use Science: A Civil Engineering Perspective” with AUM–LAI Chapter, Pune on November 07, 2025. The conclave served as a vibrant platform that brought together leading academicians, researchers, industry professionals, and international delegates to deliberate on the theme of Urban Transformation and Sustainable Development.

The event was held under the esteemed patronage of Prof. Dr. Vishwanath D. Karad (Founder & Chief Patron, MAEER’s MIT, Pune; President, MIT-WPU) and Dr. Rahul V. Karad (Executive President, MIT-WPU). It was chaired by Dr. R. M. Chitnis (Vice Chancellor, MIT- WPU), Dr. Prasad D. Khandekar (Chief Academic Officer, MIT-WPU), and Ar. Anilkumar Hatkar (President, AUM–LAI Chapter, Pune, India). The co-chairpersons were Prof. Dr. Siddharth Chakrabarti (Dean, School of Engineering and Technology, MIT-WPU) and Prof. Dr. Shantini A. Bokil (Program Director, Department of Civil Engineering, MIT-WPU). The conclave was convened by Prof. Dr. Pravin R. Minde and co-convened by Prof. Dr. Sushrut H. Vinchurkar from the Department of Civil Engineering, MIT-WPU, along with a dedicated organizing team.

The Chief Guest, Shri Mahesh Zagade, Ex-IAS and Former Principal Secretary to the Government of Maharashtra, delivered an insightful address highlighting the need for policy- level integration of urban resilience and land-use efficiency. The conclave featured keynote sessions and engaging discussions by distinguished experts including Ar. Anilkumar Hatkar, Shri Abhay Pethe, Prof. Rajendra Jagdale, Prof. Rajiv Mishra, Dr. Sanjeev Vidyarthi, and Dr. Chandrakhas Deshpande.

Adding a strong international dimension, Prof. Zorica Nedovic-Budic (University of Illinois & University College Dublin), Ar. Prof. Leslie Pollock (Chairman, Camiros Ltd., USA), and Prof. (Ar.) Shlomo Angel, along with several global delegates, shared valuable insights on international best practices in urban governance and land-use planning.

The conclave concluded on a highly successful note with key takeaways on integrating land economics, climate-resilient urban planning, and social equity within sustainable city development frameworks. The event reaffirmed MIT-WPU’s commitment to fostering innovation, research, and global collaboration in addressing the evolving challenges of civil engineering and urban management.