The Programme is happening second time
in physical mode in India
Mandi: — The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi has inaugurated the LARAM Course 2026 (Landslide Risk Assessment and Mitigation), a prestigious six-day international training programme dedicated to advancing global knowledge and practical solutions for landslide disaster risk reduction. The programme brings the internationally renowned LARAM School Italy to India in physical mode for the second time.
The LARAM
School, established in 2005 by the Geotechnical Engineering Group (GEG) of the
University of Salerno, Italy, has become a globally respected platform for
advanced training of PhD scholars, young researchers, and professionals in
civil engineering, environmental engineering, geology, and related disciplines which is aligned with one of the core
values of IIT Mandi, i.e., regional development. The programme focuses on
interdisciplinary approaches to landslide risk assessment, forecasting, and
mitigation, with previous editions conducted in several international locations
including Italy, China, and Switzerland.
The LARAM
Course 2026 at IIT Mandi has brought together 10 distinguished experts from
Switzerland, Italy, Norway, and India, who will deliver lectures and training
sessions to 40 participants, including research scholars and professionals from
various parts of India and a few international participants. The course
curriculum has been carefully designed to address the unique challenges of
landslides in the Himalayan region, where slope instability poses serious risks
to communities, transportation networks, and critical infrastructure.
The programme
is organized by the Centre for Climate
Change and Disaster Management (C3DAR) at IIT Mandi, with support from Tata Trusts, the National Disaster
Management Authority (NDMA), and the Anusandhan National Research
Foundation (ANRF). It integrates scientific lectures, technical discussions,
and field exposure to strengthen understanding of landslide processes and
mitigation strategies in mountainous terrain.
Prof. Settimio
Ferlisi, President of the LARAM School and faculty member at the University of
Salerno, highlighted the significance of bringing the programme to the
Himalayan region.
“The LARAM
School has always aimed to build a strong international community of young
researchers working on landslide risk reduction. Hosting the course in the
Himalayas provides participants with the opportunity to engage directly with
one of the most landslide-prone regions of the world, enriching both the
scientific and practical dimensions of the training.”
Dr. Kala
Venkata Uday, Coordinator of LARAM Course 2026 and Chairperson of C3DAR (Center for Climate Change and Disaster
Management) at IIT Mandi, emphasized the importance of international
collaboration in addressing disaster risks in mountainous regions.
“The Himalayan
region faces complex landslide challenges due to its fragile geology, rapid
development, and changing climatic patterns. The LARAM Course at IIT Mandi
provides an important platform for global experts and young researchers to
exchange knowledge and develop strategies that can contribute to safer and more
resilient mountain communities.”
Hosting LARAM
Course 2026 at IIT Mandi highlights India’s growing role in advancing research,
training, and international collaboration in landslide disaster risk reduction,
particularly for the Himalayan region. The programme is expected to generate
valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and disaster management
authorities working toward sustainable and resilient development in mountainous
environments.