India’s first Earth Sciences University evolved from Kothagudem School of Mines

India’s first Dr Manmohan Singh Earth Sciences University has evolved from the Kothagudem School of Mines, which traces its origins to Osmania University’s 1956 Mining Engineering Department. While new courses are planned, student groups say faculty shortages and infrastructural gaps remain unaddressed

Kothagudem: The newly launched Dr Manmohan Singh Earth Sciences University here has its roots in Kothagudem School of Mines (KSM).

The KSM in turn has its origins in the Department of Mining Engineering which was established in 1956 at College of Engineering, Osmania University in Hyderabad. In 1978, the Department of Mining Engineering was shifted to Kothagudem to set up the KSM, which in 1994, was taken over by Kakatiya University, Warangal from Osmania University to establish the University College of Engineering (UCE, KU).

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Now, the Earth Sciences University that will come up on 390.21 acres of land is the upgraded version of University College of Engineering, where the new university would function for time being. It was proposed to build a sprawling building to accommodate the new varsity, however, there was no clarity on the funds.

It is planned to offer courses in key disciplines like geology, geophysics, geochemistry, and environmental sciences. The courses are aimed at imparting standard knowledge and modern research skills to students in related disciplines.

Keeping in mind the special needs of Kothagudem region, which is the centre of coal mining activities, the university will stand as a scientific platform for earthquake analysis, flood studies, groundwater research, and mineral wealth exploration.

Meanwhile, student organisations have been demanding the State government to address the issues troubling the University College of Engineering in which around 800 students are currently studying.

PDSU district president B Veerabhadram said though the UCE was offering five engineering courses, two UG courses and two PG courses, there were not enough professors for engineering courses as per AICTE norms.

Similarly, there was not enough faculty strength for degree and PG courses as per UGC norms. Since Kothagudem is an industrial area, new courses should be introduced as per the needs of the district besides promoting research activities, Veerabhadram said.