Keynote:
Role of DMG in Advancing Engineering Geological Sciences in Nepal
Ms. Monika Jha is the first female Director General of the Department of Mines and Geology (DMG) in Nepal. She previously served as the Chief of the National Earthquake Monitoring and Research Center (NEMRC). A graduate of Tribhuvan University, she specialized in Engineering Geological Techniques in 2006. Her early career includes work as an Engineering Geologist in the private sector and at the Central Department of Geology, TU, Kirtipur. She joined the Government of Nepal in 2010. With over nineteen years of experience, Ms. Jha has developed significant expertise in geo-hazard assessment and disaster risk reduction. She has actively contributed to international collaborative projects between DMG and institutions from France (DASE), USA (Caltech), Thailand (RIMES), Japan (SATREPS), China (CEA), and Germany (G.E.O.S.). Her research focuses on landslides and earthquakes in the Nepal Himalaya. Ms. Jha has also played key roles in professional societies, serving as Vice President (2021–2023) and Treasurer (2015–2017) of the Nepal Geological Society. She currently leads the Editorial Board of DMG as Chief Editor and is a committee member for the Seismic Hazard Map of Nepal, contributing to crucial national-level scientific and policy initiatives.