President’s Message ASCE to Indian Civil Engineers

At the outset, I wish to congratulate you all on the participation in the elections of India section that were held recently during June 2013 and now we have a new team headed by me and other colleagues to enable smooth working of the professional activities of the Section. We seek your co-operation, active support and participation in the events of ASCE IS. One of the rare privileges we had been the swearing-in of the new team during the visit of ASCE leadership to India during 7-16 August 2013 and the ASCE president ASCE President Gregory E. Diloreto, P.E., P.l.S, D.wRE, F. ASCE, administered the oath of the office on 10th August 2013 in Taj Palace, New Delhi. Mr. Diloreto addressed the members and discussed the global issues related to sustainability.

The need for sustainable design and development is highlighted in the presentation. The basis and the need for sustainable design are available in www. sustainable infrastructures. Executive Director, and Chief Staff Officer and Secretary Patrick J. Natale, P.E., CAE, F.ASCE presented the development of report card for the infrastructure in USA. Report card depicts the condition and performance of infrastructure in USA, based on physical conditions and the needed fiscal investments for improvement.Once every four years, this is done and provides a comprehensive assessment of the USA’s major infrastructure categories in ASCE’s Report Card for America’s Infrastructure.

Using a simple A to F school report card format, the Report Card provides a comprehensive assessment of current infrastructure conditions and needs, both assigning grades and making recommendations for how to raise the grades. An Advisory Council of ASCE members assigns the grades according to the following eight criteria: capacity, condition, funding, future need, operation and maintenance, public safety, resilience, and in novation. Since 1998, the grades have been near failing, averaging only Ds, due to delayed maintenance and under-investment across most categories. The 2013 Report Card grades indicate that America’s cumulative GPA for infrastructure rose slightly to a D+. The grades in 2013 ranged from a high of B¬for solid waste to a low for inland waterways and levees. Solid waste, drinking water, waste water, roads, and bridges all saw incremental improvements, and rail jumped from a C to a C+. No categories saw a decline in grade this year.

Now in India, the stage is set for a mega infrastructure push, as the Cabinet Commit¬tee on Investment (CCI) government of India decided to fast-track 36 stalled projects, including 28 power projects, with an investment of over Rs 1.5 lakh crore, a move that is expected to boost faltering economic growth. Report cards of similar nature are desirable in India to enable optimum investments and targeted growth. ASCE has considerable knowledge bank and expertise in sustainability and infrastructure and there is a need for interaction of ASCE and ASCE-India Section  is  for the  benefit of the world’s population.

I look forward to your active participation and understanding of the needs of the Civil Engineering profession in India. This can be accomplished by discussing the state of infra-structure in India in various forms, enrolling more members in ASCE, organizing and participating in seminars, opening up of student chapters etc.

Best regards
Prof. G L Sivakumar Babu, President, ASCE IS