contains suggestions for solving civic problems in Perambalur. The District Collector (Dr. Darez Ahamed) has already asked the civic officials to act on most of them. This is being shared to invite comments and solicit co-operation from residents for effective implementation
Civic Problems and Solutions for Perambalur Town, TN, India
1. Dr. T. Rajaram
Professor in Civil - Environmental Engineering
Sustainable Technologies Lab
M.A.M. COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
SIRUGANUR, TRICHY.
Dr. T. Rajaram
Professor in Civil - Environmental Engineering
Sustainable Technologies Lab
M.A.M. COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
SIRUGANUR, TRICHY.
2. Nature of collaboration Planned with various departments of
District Administration
2
Joint Research Projects on specific local problems involving faculty and
students
Joint Research proposals for funding from Govt. Agencies like DST,
Earth Science, Water Resources, etc.
Joint Development of Technologies for unique local problems such as
removal of Iron, Nitrate from Ground water
Joint workshops, training programs and seminars focused on specific
problems in the District.
9-Jun-13Sustainable Technologies Lab - MAM College of Engineering
3. Objectives of this proposal for joint collaboration
3
9-Jun-13Sustainable Technologies Lab - MAM College of Engineering
The primary objective of this exercise is to contribute the technical
resources available with MAM College of Engineering for the
betterment of the local community in the immediate vicinity of the
institution
Further this joint collaboration will enhance knowledge sharing
between the field professionals and academic community resulting in
mutual benefits for both.
By involving students in these problems affecting the society, they
stand to gain a deep insight into the role they have to play in future as
pillars of our country.
4. Identified problems and suggested action
4
Problems have been identified based on a primary survey of natural
resources and civic infrastructure in Perambalur town
Identification of problems were also based on the project co-ordinator’s
(Dr. T. Rajaram) experience of having witnessed the evolution of this
town right from 1970s as a native of this town.
As urban areas around India are witnessing enormous problems due to
migration from rural areas, solutions developed have high potential of
being useful for a majority of towns in our country and elsewhere.
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5. Resources expected from District Administration
5
For joint study projects
access to department laboratory for analysis of samples,
access to data available with the departments
For Joint R&D projects with external funding
letter of intent indicating interest and non-financial support
For Joint workshops, training programs with external funding
letter of intent indicating interest and financial support if possible.
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6. 6
Problems Identified
Deficient rains
Climate change – projected deficit of -50% in rainfall in the coming years
Sewage collection and transfer outside the town limits
Impervious paving of streets and drains
Inadequate recharge mechanisms in houses and town
Action Required
Precise estimation of water available in the aquifers
Design of system for pumping of treated sewage from STP back to upper lake
Identification of recharge points on Govt. land throughout the town and design of
appropriate recharge structures
Study of rainfall runoff pattern in the town and design of adequate connections to
recharge points (temple ponds, percolation ponds, etc)
Future planning for STPs in each zone of the town and reuse in the same location to
avoid costs of centralized wastewater treatment and recycling
9-Jun-13Sustainable Technologies Lab - MAM College of Engineering
7. Lake System and Sewage flows
(with Municipality and TWAD Board)
7
Lakes
Present sewage outflow to sewage treatment Plant from final pumping station
Required return pipeline of treated sewage for sustainable water resources
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9. 9
Problems identified
Most of the wells are saline / non-potable
Increased household expenditure on purified water/ water filters
Blockage and fouling of water pipes
Uncertainty in Cauvery water supply due to climate change and power cuts
Incidence of kidney stones and other ailments
Action Required
Water quality survey to identify the level of contaminants
Design of low cost system to remove these contaminants at household level
9-Jun-13Sustainable Technologies Lab - MAM College of Engineering
10. Problems identified
Inflow of sewage for many decades
Improper sanitation around the lake
Middle lake fully eutrophied
Lower lake fully eutrophied
Upper lake relatively in good condition
but needs desilting of lake area and
inflow and outflow channels
Action Required
Assessment of pollutant level in Water and
sediments
Implementation of appropriate remediation
technique to remove the pollutants
Design of constructed wetland to stop sewage
From entering the lakes
10
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11. 11
Problems identified
Traffic problems predicted to get worse due to increase in vehicular registration
Current Bottlenecks at Roever Arch, Sangupettai, Kamarajar arch, Municipal
office, Old bus stand
Unregulated traffic lanes and speed from Pallakarai Roundturn to Roever Arch
Rash driving of three wheeled public carriers (Share Autos)
Action Required
Traffic survey at bottlenecks for design of traffic Islands and optimization of
signals
Planned phase out of three wheeled public carriers (share autos)
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13. 13
Problems Identified
Same problems faced by other towns and cities
No segregation
Burning of garbage
Open dumping and burning on the outskirts
Action Required
Research and planning of policy measures
Ban / control on use of plastic bags/ packaging
Adoption of various measures which have succeeded in other cities
Sustainable Technologies Lab - MAM College of Engineering 9-Jun-13
14. 14
Dissemination of information through SMS
various projects/ schemes
RTI related information
Grievance logging and redressal
Contracts issued and stages of completion
Availability of information on websites of Collectorate,
Municipality
regarding funds allocated, contracts assigned, stages of completion, etc
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16. PachamalaiPachamalai and other lake systemsand other lake systems
16
Assessment of Water quality, Ground water usage and recharge based on GPS tagged
Geographical Information System (GIS)
Sustainable Technologies Lab - MAM College of Engineering 9-Jun-13
18. Millennium Development Goal – 7
(with DRDA, TWAD)
18
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19. 19
Problems identified
Major portion of rainfed farmland hit by deficit rains
Irrigated farmlands adopting inefficient irrigation techniques
Decrease in farmland due to conversion for other profitable activities
Action required
Wider adoption of sprinklers and rainguns
Development of low cost rainguns through local entrepreneurs
Insitu testing and consultation for water and soil quality
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20. Research road map of PG Centre in Environmental Engineering
Sustainable Technologies Lab
20
LCA , EIA
Sustainable
Materials –
Technology -
Strategy
Water Resources Mgt. –
Ground water recharge,
assessment, planning
Concrete Technology
- Alternative waste
materials for cement,
sand and aggregates
SEA, SA
Environmental
Engg.- biomass
energy, low energy
wastewater recycling
Infrastructure Engg.-
more durable
materials, low carbon
footprints, green
buildings
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21. Profile of Project Co-ordinator from MAMCE
Dr. T. Rajaram, B.E., M.E., Ph.D.
21
Educational Qualifications:
Ph.D. Environmental Engineering, SASTRA University, April 2010.
Class/ Achievement : Six international journal publications
Thesis title: Enhancement of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in India through integrated assessment and
simulation of sustainability linkages
M.E. Environmental Engineering, NIT, Surat, 1998.
Class/ Achievement : 75.4 (I with Distinction), First Rank overall.
B.E. Civil Engineering, NIT, Surat, 1996.
Class/ Achievement : 70.5 (I with Distinction), Gold medal in Environ. Engg.
Research Area:
Sustainability Assessment of coupled human-natural systems, Sustainable technologies, Green buildings, Wastewater
recycling.
Recognised Ph.D. Supervisor of Anna University, Chennai
Details of professional and research experience
May 2011- till date: Professor in Department of Civil Engineering, M.A.M. College of Engineering, Tiruchirapalli.
Teaching & Research in Civil, Environmental Engineering.
Jan 2004 –April 2011: Lecturer (till Aug 2008), Assistant Professor –III (till July 2010), Senior Assistant Professor
(till April 2011) in School of Civil Engineering SASTRA University, Thanjavur.
Teaching & Research in Civil, Environmental Engineering.
Was a member of research team for two DST Sponsored Research projects.
9-Jun-13Sustainable Technologies Lab - MAM College of Engineering
22. Dr. T. Rajaram ( contd….)
22
May 2001 – Dec 2003: Engineer – Projects, VA Tech Wabag Ltd.,Chennai. (MNC Ranked No. 3
globally in the field of Water Solutions).
Execution of Sewage treatment plants, Water treatment plants, Demineralization plants for Chennai
Metro, Bangalore Metro, Chennai Petroleum Corporation.
Dec 1999 – April 2001: Engineer-Technical Support, Enviro Science & Engg. Pvt. Ltd., Chennai.
As a consultant in Environmental Engineering. Preparation of Environmental Impact Assessment
Reports for Industrial projects. Research & development of treatment schemes for Industrial Effluent
& Sewage Treatment (Pesticides, Fine Chemicals, Metal Treatment, etc).
Aug 1998- Dec 1999: Lecturer in Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Surat,
Gujarat.
Teaching and Consultancy in Environmental Engineering, Wastewater treatment, environmental
auditing for industries.
Professional Recognition:
Reviewer for the following International Journals
1. Journal of Infrastructure Systems. American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
2. Knowledge-Based Systems, Elsevier
3. International Journal of Sustainable Energy, Taylor & Francis, UK
4. Sustainability Science, Springer – Univ. of Tokyo & United Nations University.
5. Journal of Ecology and the Natural Environment, Academic Journals (open access)
9-Jun-13Sustainable Technologies Lab - MAM College of
Engineering
23. List of significant publications :
List of papers published from Ph.D. work in refereed International Journals with Impact
Factor:
23
Rajaram T. and Das Ashutosh, ‘Screening for EIA in India: enhancing effectiveness through Ecological Carrying Capacity approach’, Journal
of Environmental Management, Vol. 92, Issue 1, Jan 2011, pages 140-148, Elsevier. Impact Factor-2.367.
Rajaram T. and Das Ashutosh, ‘Modeling of interactions among sustainability components of an agro-ecosystem using local knowledge
through cognitive mapping and fuzzy inference system’, Expert Systems with Applications, Volume 37, Issue 2, March 2010, Pages 1734-1744,
Elsevier, Impact Factor- 2.908.
Rajaram T. and Das Ashutosh, ‘A methodology for integrated assessment of rural linkages in a developing nation’, Impact Assessment and
Project Appraisal, volume 26, number 2, June 2008, pages 99-113, International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA)-Beech Tree
Publishing, UK. SNIP – 0.320.
Rajaram T. and Das Ashutosh, ‘Water Pollution by Industrial Effluents in India: Discharge Scenarios and Case for Participatory Ecosystem
Specific Local Regulation’, Futures, Elsevier, Volume 40, Issue 1, February 2008, Pages 56-69. SNIP-0.454.
Rajaram T. and Das Ashutosh, ‘Sustainable Frugality through EIA: Role of Socio-ecological linkages in poverty alleviation’, Management of
Environmental Quality: An International Journal, Emerald Publishing, UK. Vol. 18. No. 5. 2007. SNIP-0.176.
Rajaram T. and Das Ashutosh, ‘Need for participatory and sustainability principles in India’s EIA system: lessons from the Sethusamudram
Ship Channel Project’, Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal, volume 24, number 2, June 2006, pages115-126, International Association
for Impact Assessment (IAIA)-Beech Tree Publishing, UK. SNIP – 0.320.
Other International publications
Rajaram T. and Suribabu C.R., Discussion of "Evaluating Environmental Impact in Water Distribution System Design" by L. M. Herstein, Y.
R. Filion, and K. R. Hall. Journal of Infrastructure Systems. American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), March 2011, pp 52. SNIP-0.758
Ravichandran K.S., Rajaram T., and Ashutosh Das, ‘A Fuzzy Based Ranking of Dominance among Water Quality Parameters for Modeling: A
Case Study’, International Journal of Ecology & Development (ISSN 0972-9984), Volume 4, No. S06, Summer 2006, pp 51-64.
Rajaram T. and Das Ashutosh, ‘Study on Suitability of Water Quality for Mass Bathing in Southern Kumbha Mela Festival (Mahamaham)
Using Fuzzy Inference System’, Pollution research, Issue No. 2, 2006. SNIP-0.028
Das Ashutosh, Rajaram T., Srihari V., & Subramanyam B, Water Quality Assessment of Tsunami (26th December, 2004)-affected Regions of
Tamil Nadu, India (Nagapattinam-Vedaranyam Stretch), Journal of Haematology & Ecotoxicology 1(1), 2006: pp 35-39.
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24. List of Research Projects
Dr. T. Rajaram ( contd….)
24
Research Projects
1. Key Team Member for two DST Sponsored projects-
a) Study at Mahamaham tank to monitor the water quality and to derive a model on the variants of water quality, DST-
SERC, 2003-2004, Rs. 3,60,000.
b) Water Quality Assessment in the Tsunami Affected Coastal Areas of Tamil Nadu – Nagapattinam to Vedaranyam,
DST-ESS, April –Sept, 2005, Rs. 3,33,000.
2. Co-Investigator, Design of Water Purification System for Temple Tank at Vaitheeswaran Kovil, Tamil Nadu, Sponsored
by SASTRA Deemed University, 2006-2007, Rs. 2,00,000.
3. Sustainability Assessment of Urban Transportation System – Tiruchirapalli City – Sponsored by MAM College of
Engineering, 2012-2013, Rs. 50,000. ongoing.
Unpublished Reports:
Environmental Impact Assessment Reports submitted to the Ministry of Environment & forests, Govt. of India, for the
following Industrial projects:
- Amrutanjan Fine Chemicals Ltd., Orchid Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Tagros Chemicals India Ltd., Snowcem
India Ltd., Alstom Ltd., Nelcast ltd.
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25. Dr. T. Rajaram ( contd….)
25
Books Published
International :Rajaram T., Ashutosh Das, 2012, Sustainability Assessment of Coupled Human-Natural Systems,
ISBN-10: 3848490994, 236 pages, LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing, Germany.
Research work engaged in at present
Sustainability Assessment with special focus on coupled human-natural systems prevalent in India.
Assessment of EIA system in India
Application of cognitive mapping and fuzzy inference system for simulation of sustainability scenarios
Treatment and reuse of sewage through constructed wetlands
Vulnerability assessment of agro-ecosystems due to climate change
Ph.D. Guidance (Ongoing)
Currently guiding two scholars on:
Vulnerability Assessment of Agro-ecosystems to Climate change
Sustainability Assessment of a Watershed
Consultancy Projects Executed.
Environmental Impact Assessment for Industries : Amrutanjan Fine Chemicals Ltd., Orchid Chemicals &
Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Tagros Chemicals India Ltd., Snowcem India Ltd., Alstom Ltd., Nelcast ltd.
Environmental Management Plan for Amrutanjan Fine Chemicals Ltd., ., Tagros Chemicals India Ltd., Snowcem
India Ltd., Nelcast ltd., Amaravathi Paper mills Ltd.
Effluent treatment Plant for Tagros Chemicals India Ltd., Pioneer Miyagi Chemicals Ltd.
Sewage Treatment Plants for SASTRA Deemed University
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26. Highlights about M.A.M College of Engineering
Siruganur, Tiruchirappalli,
patronized by Maluk Educational, Health and Charitable Trust
The college was established on 10.02.1999
Janab. M. Abdul Majedu is the founder Chairman.
Dr. S. Sathikh, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Madras is the Chairman of the
College Governing Council
Dr. M.A. Maluk Mohamed, Ph.D. (IIT Madras), is the Principal and also one of the
managing trustees.
• Dr. Mohideen Ibramsha, Ph.D. (IIT Kanpur), is Dean-Research.
27. HIGHLIGHTS continued……..
27
17% of our faculty members are Ph.D. qualified and 69% PG qualified.
Obtained Research Projects worth 2 Crores.
Anna University of Chennai has recognized MAM College of Engineering to be Centres for Research in
areas of Electrical Sciences (which includes dept of EEE and EIE) , IT/ CSE, Mechanical Engineering and Management
studies.
Institute has provided laptop computer for all faculty members with wi-fi connectivity for enhanced teaching and
research
Institute has the highest number of faculty in the country trained under Wipro’s Mission 10x programme in
pedagogy and high impact teaching skills
Separate server providing NPTEL e-learning material developed by IIT professors available for students through
intranet.
To induce interest on research among students and faculty members, a GRID research lab has been established
in association with University of Melbourne, Australia.
20 Unified learning kits have been installed by which students of any circuit branch can do their project in 18
different domains
32 Mbps leased line Internet connectivity.
Wi-Fi connectivity all over the campus.
Microsoft certified campus agreement.
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28. HIGHLIGHTS of MAM College of Engineering (contd…)
28
Comprehensive placement oriented training is given to our students right from
first year by our Training and Placement department.
Best academic practices are adopted leading to development of personality and
excellence in career.
All class rooms are enabled with Hi-tech digital equipments.
Fully equipped laboratories.
Modern library with more than 32,000 volumes of books and more than 1500
international journals.
Uninterrupted power supply with stand by generator of 460 KVA.
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29. Department of Civil Engineering
29
Date of establishment: July 2009
Department with the most experienced faculty team in the zone
Faculty student ratio – 1:14
Faculty cadre : 4 Prof. + 2 Assoc. Prof. + 10 Asst. Prof.
Full fledged laboratories for teaching and research
PG program in Environmental Engineering
All faculty members provided with laptop and wi-fi connectivity by institute for enhanced
teaching and research
Collaborative interdisciplinary research focus among various departments of MAMCE
Synergistic research focus through special interest groups for each discipline among
engineering, architecture and management institutes within the campus
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30. 9-Jun-13
Research council at
MAMCE
30
A Research council has been active at MAMCE
with the objectives of expediting research at two
major fronts.
To from a group for brainstorming and
preparation of research proposals for external
funding
To monitor and encourage innovative research by
doctoral research scholars
This council is headed by Dr. Mohideen Ibramsha,
Ph.D. (IIT Kanpur), Dean-Research and chaired
by Dr. M.A. Maluk Mohamed, Ph.D. (IIT Madras),
Principal.
Special Interest groups have also been formed for
each disciple of engineering comprising of
doctorates from all departments under MAM
group of institutions to expand the scope of
research review and brainstorming.
Sustainable Technologies Lab - MAM College of Engineering