From 14–17 April 2026, Professor C. Visvanathan of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol University, visited the University of Bhutan. The purpose of the visit was to enhance academic collaboration and promote knowledge exchange in environmental and sustainable engineering. During the visit, he held discussions with Karma Tshering, Registrar of the University of Bhutan, following an invitation from Yeshey Penjor.

The meeting focused on strengthening academic partnerships, particularly creating opportunities for University of Bhutan personnel to pursue master’s and doctoral studies at Mahidol University in civil and environmental engineering. In addition, there was a proposal to coordinate with Cheko Doriji, Director of the College of Science and Technology (CST), to develop future capacity-building programs.

Following the meeting, Professor Visvanathan delivered a special lecture, “Brown Sector Environmental Systems in Bhutan: Challenges and Pathways Forward.” The lecture attracted more than 60 participants, including students, policymakers, members of parliament, and engineers from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport. It provided a valuable platform for exchanging perspectives on Bhutan’s environmental challenges and identifying pathways toward sustainable development.

Between 15–17 April 2026, Professor Visvanathan also conducted field visits to assess solid waste management systems in Thimphu and Trongsa. During these visits, he offered technical recommendations to improve waste disposal systems. He also held discussions with the Governor of Trongsa on urban solid waste management approaches, as well as the development of decentralized wastewater treatment systems tailored to local contexts.

Overall, the visit significantly strengthened academic cooperation, supported knowledge exchange, and contributed to the development of sustainable environmental management practices in Bhutan in a meaningful way.