Geography DEPARTMENT
About the Department
The Department of Geography, Shaheed Bhagat Singh College, is one of the most vibrant departments of the college. The department has completed 55 glorious years since its establishment. It has emerged as an epitome of knowledge with a total of 15 faculty members. The departmental research activities focus on exploring contemporary issues while offering a holistic perspective of knowledge to the students. The department has a Cartography Laboratory and two Remote Sensing and GIS Laboratories, which offer students state-of-the
art hands-on training. The department is now a network institute of the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS) outreach program of capacity building as well as MoU with the Doon University for student and scholar exchange programmes.
To inculcate all-round development and to facilitate skill enhancement and learning among the students, the department regularly organizes field visits, conferences, workshops, seminars, and a career fair, where students receive first-hand experience and learn empirically from different spheres of life. The graduates passing out from the department work in various capacities at multinational companies, consulting firms, the banking sector, urban planning, civil services, teaching, academia, climate policy and action, global diplomacy consulting, environmental management, social policymaking, NGOs, etc.
The Department has a Geography Association that has remained active in imparting up-to-date knowledge on contemporary issues through activities like special lectures, workshops, and training courses. The Geography Association also celebrates its annual Geo-Fest, namely ‘Vasundhara’, in which Shaheed Bhagat Singh College students participate in inter-college competitions such as debates, paper presentations, poster making, map making, photography, skits, quizzes, and many more activities based on geographical knowledge. Every year ‘Landscape’, an annual geographical magazine, is brought out by the department to showcase and promote the talent of young geographers. Students are also taken on educational and field visits to expose them to changing ground realities in both the physical and human landscapes, along with field survey techniques like remote sensing and GIS at various stages from training to research applications.
Noteworthy, Geography is best suited for students who have a knack for both the Humanities and Science streams, as the discipline is very well integrated. The discipline has a wide scope, and the Geography Department at SBSC is committed to offering the best learning environment.
Course & Syllabus
Faculty
Landscape
The Landscape is an annual magazine of the Department of Geography, Shaheed Bhagat Singh College, University of Delhi, which is a forum for young geographers. These days, it is crucial for everyone in the world, students, teachers, scholars, leaders, and others to understand the diversity of the geography subject. A nation’s desire for growth is frequently set back several decades by disasters, natural calamities, social issues, increasing unplanned settlement, as well as environmental pollution, which destroy the hard-earned rewards of laborious developmental efforts and impede progress, altering the geographical landscape at a rapid pace.
Therefore, we bring some vibrant themes in the form of essays, stories, reports, and case studies through our annual magazine Landscape. Landscape is a lovely fabric that unites a variety of viewpoints, concepts, and perceptions, as we received a wide range of thoughts and ideas on our theme from the collection of essays and articles by students and from various departments across universities.
This year, the 18th volume of Landscape, the annual magazine of the Department of Geography at Shaheed Bhagat Singh College, University of Delhi, is centered around the compelling theme “Geo-Spatia: Rivers from Source to Sea”. This edition presents a rich tapestry of research, field studies, and reflections focused on the physical, ecological, and geopolitical journeys of rivers. It highlights how rivers, originating from glaciers, springs, or hills, travel through varied landscapes, shaping human settlements and sustaining biodiversity. Through the lens of geography, the magazine explores not just river morphology and hydrological patterns, but also the technological interventions such as GIS and remote sensing that aid in understanding river systems.
Contributions from students span a range of topics including river pollution, illegal sand mining, dam-induced ecosystem changes, and transboundary water disputes. Notable case studies examine the degradation of the Yamuna in Delhi, the threats posed by sand mafias to the Chambal River, and the ecological impacts of the Tehri Dam. The magazine also features an insightful geopolitical analysis of the Brahmaputra and Indus Rivers, showcasing the critical role of water in international relations. Field experiences from Gujarat, Joshimath, and Shimla provide students with hands-on learning, strengthening their understanding of real-world environmental challenges.
Accompanied by expert messages from faculty and advisors, Landscape not only documents academic insights but also promotes awareness of the urgent need for sustainable river management. It is a platform that reflects the curiosity, creativity, and concern of young geographers for the environment, and serves as a call to action for the conservation of one of Earth’s most vital natural resources like rivers.
Research Projects
| S. No | Name of the Investigator(s) | Title of the Project | Duration | Sponsoring Agency | Sanctioned Amount (Rs.) | Status/Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dr. VAV Raman | Impact of Physical Variability on Land Use Transformation in the Interfluves of Ghaghara-Gandak and Karamnasa-Son Rivers in Bihar, India | 2 years | UGC | 9 Lac | Completed (2014) |
| 2 | Prof. Poonam Sharma (Co-PI) | Urbanization and Human Capital Development in Assam | 18 Months | ICSSR (ISID, New Delhi) | 15 Lacs | Completed (2019) |
| 3 | Prof. Kavita Arora (PI), Prof. Vishwa Raj Sharma (Co-PI) | Assimilation of Bangladesh’s Enclaves in India: Assessing the Socio-Economic Condition of Rehabilitated People in Cooch Behar District, West Bengal | 3 years | ICSSR | 8 Lac | Completed (2022) |
| 4 | Prof. Swati Rajput (PI), Prof. Kavita Arora (Co-PI) | Mapping and Analyzing the Land Use -Land Cover and Food Insecurity in Rajasthan | 2 years | ICSSR | NA | Completed (2022) |
| Stipulating the Role of Agriculture and Forestry in the Urban Environment: Mapping and Analyzing Green Spaces of Delhi | 1 year | University of Delhi | NA | Completed (2016) | ||
| 5 | Dr. Suraj Mal | Hydropower-Irrigation Nexus in Ganges Headwater, Uttarakhand | 2 years | IWMI | NA | Completed |
| 6 | Prof. Vishwa Raj Sharma | Appraisal of Urban Growth Dynamics and Pollution using GIS Techniques along River Yamuna | 3 years | ICSSR | 10 Lac | Completed (2022) |
| Sustainable Tourism Management in Agra: Carrying Capacity Assessment and Modelling | 2 years | ICSSR | 10 Lac | Completed (2019) | ||
| Earthquake Disaster Vulnerability Assessment and Management | 1 year | University of Delhi | 3.5 Lac | Completed (2016) | ||
| Emerging Mega Regions and Socio-Economic Developments in Contemporary India: A Study of Delhi Mega Region | 3 years | Hiroshima University, Japan | 10 Lac | Completed (2015) | ||
| Monitoring and Modeling Socio-Economic Impact of Land Use/Cover and Pollution along Yamuna River, Delhi | 2 years | University of Delhi | 3 Lac | Completed (2014) | ||
| 7 | Dr. Amrita Bajaj (PI) | Socio-economic and cultural system of Bharia Tribes of Patalkot Valley, Madhya Pradesh: Strategies for Sustainable Development | 6 months | ICSSR | 1 Lac | Completed (2023) |
Books Published
| S. No | Name | Book Title | Publisher | ISBN/Link | Year | Indexed if any |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dr. V.A.V. Raman | Malana a Transfigured Landscape | Book Age Publications, New Delhi | ISBN: 978983281565 | 2015 | |
| 2 | Prof. Poonam Sharma | Geospatial Technology and Smart Cities | Springer Nature, Switzerland | ISBN: 978-3-030-71944-9 | 2021 | Scopus |
| Sustainable Smart Cities in India: Challenges and Future | Springer Cham | ISBN: 978-3-319-47144-0 | 2017 | Scopus | ||
| Structure and Growth of Mega City An Inter-Industry Analysis | Concept Publishing Company, New Delhi | ISBN: 10-81-8069-675-8 Link: www.amazon.in/gp/offer-listing/8180696758/ref |
2010 | |||
| 3 | Prof. Kavita Arora | Bharat ka Pradeshik Bhugol (REGIONAL GEOGRAPHY OF INDIA) | Vikas Publication | ISBN: 978-93-5453-781-3 | 2022 | |
| Indigenous Forest Management in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India | Springer, Switzerland | ISBN: 978-3-030-00032-5 | 2018 | |||
| Urban Green Spaces, Health Economics and Air Pollution | Routledge, Taylor & Francis | ISBN: 9780367710217 | 2021 | Scopus | ||
| 4 | Prof. Swati Rajput | Geography of Health | Concept Publishing Company | ISBN: 978-93-5594-851-9 | 2024 | |
| Urban Green Spaces, Health Economics and Air Pollution | Routledge, Taylor & Francis | ISBN: 9780367710217 | 2021 | Scopus | ||
| Sustainable Smart Cities in India: Challenges and Future | Springer Cham | ISBN: 978-3-319-47144-0 | 2017 | Scopus | ||
| Mirror of the World, (A book of Social Science) Based on CCE Book 6 Meghalaya Board CBSE Syllabus | Sapphire (India) Publishers Pvt. Ltd. New Delhi | 2011 | ||||
| Mirror of the World, (A book of Social Science) Based on CCE Book 7 Meghalaya Board CBSE Syllabus | ||||||
| Mirror of the World, (A book of Social Science) Based on CCE Book 8 Meghalaya Board CBSE Syllabus | ||||||
| A text Book Of Social Studies Book 9 Meghalaya Board CBSE Syllabus | Sunflower Publishers Pvt Ltd | 2009 | ||||
| A text Book Of Social Studies Book 10 Meghalaya Board CBSE Syllabus | ||||||
| 5 | Prof. Vishwa Raj Sharma | Making India Disaster Resilient: Challenges and Future Perspectives | Springer, Switzerland | ISBN: 978-3-031-50112-8 | 2023 | Scopus |
| Sustainable Tourism Management in Agra, India | Book Age Publications | ISBN: 978-93-88181-10-5 | 2019 | |||
| Making Cities Resilient | Springer, Switzerland | ISBN: 978-3-319-94931-4 | 2018 | Scopus | ||
| Environment: Issues, Impact and Management | Research India Press, Sangam Vihar, New Delhi | ISBN: 978-93-5171-035-6 | 2015 | |||
| 6 | Dr. Amrita Bajaj | “Vigyan Vidushi”, Special publication on Women Scientists of India | Vigyan Prasar, Ministry of Science and Technology | 2023 | ||
| Geography of Development: Indian Perspectives | ISBN: 81-8289-067-5 | 2018 | ||||
| 7 | Suraj Kumar Mallick | Applied Machine Learning and Deep Learning: Architectures and Techniques | Deep Science | ISBN: 978-81-981271-9-8 | ||
| Large Language Models for Sustainable Urban Development | Spinger Nature | ISBN: 978-3-031-86038-6 | Scopus | |||
| Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Enhancing Resilience | Deep Science | ISBN: 978-93-7185-844-1 |
Student Achievements
| Name | Semester | Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Apurva | 2nd Prize in Debate Competition, Miranda House (2012-2013), University of Delhi, Delhi. | |
| Rahul Rao | IVth | 2nd Prize in Quiz Competition, Kamla Nehru College, University of Delhi, New Delhi. |
| Nishant Ketu | IVth | Nominated by Delhi for NCC National Event (General Science Camp). |
| Shubham Madaan | IVth | 2nd Prize in G.K. Quiz at Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel Agricultural Institute, Agricultural University, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. |
| Uttra Pradesh | 2nd in the Geography Quiz, Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi, Delhi. 3rd rank in Online Quiz Challenge (North India), India. | |
| Arun Singh Dhaliwal | IVth |
2nd Prize in “Envirod - The Environmental Quiz” organized by “STUCO” at Bhim Rao Ambedkar College, University of Delhi, Delhi (2014). Worked as a “Brand Ambassador” for a period of 8 weeks with “VIBER”, the social networking and messaging app. |
Events
The Department of Geography witnessed a highly engaging and academically enriching year, marked by a variety of field visits, seminars, conferences, and student-led initiatives aimed at enhancing practical knowledge and interdisciplinary understanding.
As part of its commitment to experiential learning, students of Semester VI undertook a field trip to western Gujarat to study the impact of Cyclone Biparjoy on coastal regions. The visit offered students valuable hands-on experience and an opportunity to analyse disaster management efforts in vulnerable areas. Similarly, students of Semester V conducted a field study in Joshimath, Uttarakhand, focusing on land subsidence. Through structured questionnaires, they engaged with local residents to understand the socio-environmental challenges they face. The group also trekked through Auli and the Garhwal Himalayas, gaining meaningful insights into terrain analysis and geophysical processes. Another field trip was conducted from 1st to 6th March 2025 to Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, to assess the city’s carrying capacity and landslide susceptibility. Students conducted surveys in areas such as Tutikandi, Boileauganj, Chaura Maidan, Summerhill, and Mall Road. They also attended an academic session at Himachal Pradesh University and visited Kandaghat for extended data collection. An interactive session with a Forest Officer at Chail Palace further deepened their understanding of environmental challenges in the region.
The academic year began with an Orientation and Freshers’ Meet, hosted by the Geography Association, to welcome incoming students. The event facilitated interaction between faculty members, senior students, and freshers. Various engaging activities and games were conducted, and faculty members offered valuable guidance and shared their experiences with the students.
A series of academic events contributed to the department’s intellectual environment. A seminar on “Floodplains Hydromorphic Assessment Using Optical and Radar Remote Sensing Methods” was delivered by Dr Manudeo Singh, Newton International Fellow at Aberystwyth University, UK. The session emphasised the importance of wetland creation and sustainable conservation approaches and was well-attended by both students and faculty. Another important academic initiative was the inaugural lecture on “Careers and Placements in Geography”, delivered by Professor Anu Kapur from the Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi. The lecture offered practical insights into the application of geotechnical skills in the professional world and guided students on enhancing their competencies for career development.
The department also hosted an International Conference titled “Urban Development Missions, Restructuring of Spaces, and the Emergence of New Urbanism.” This two-day event featured multiple research paper presentations and discussions centred around urbanisation trends and their implications. The conference concluded with a valedictory session attended by eminent professors and researchers from various institutions. A Cultural Night was held on the first day, providing an engaging and lively platform for student participation.
The annual departmental magazine, Landscape 2025, was launched on 8th March 2025 during the department’s flagship festival VASUNDHARA. Titled “Geospatial Perspectives: From Source to Sea”, this edition included research contributions from emerging scholars, focusing on river morphology. The editorial team ensured rigorous academic review, and the publication reflected the department’s dedication to research excellence.
The annual fest VASUNDHARA 2025 was held on 8th March 2025 on the theme “Geographies of Power and People: The Socio-Political Landscape of the Global South.” Distinguished guests, Professor Vijoy S. Sahay and Professor S.M. Patnaik, graced the event. The festival featured a variety of competitive and cultural events, including Spatswar (music competition), Echoes and Eloquence (extempore contest), Darpan-e-Dastan (reel-making competition), and Thought Meridian (Youth Parliament). The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from colleges and universities across the country, creating a vibrant platform for academic discourse and creative expression.
Through its blend of fieldwork, academic engagement, and student-led initiatives, the Department of Geography continues to provide a well-rounded educational experience, preparing students for both academic and professional excellence.
- The 17th Volume of annual magazine “Landscape” with the Theme: Geo- Environmental Hazards and Disasters was published by the Department of Geography.
- The department organised its annual fest Vasundhara, with the theme “Earth in Pixels – Exploring GeoAI’s Impact on Geography”. The fest was graced by the presence of Chief Guest Prof. Tejbir Singh Rana. The program comprised five distinct events including GEOQUORUM (Debate Competition), GEOBIZ (Business Plan Competition), INTELLECTUS (Quiz Competition), GLOBESHOTS (Online Photography Competition), and GEOGRAPHIKOS (Poster Making Competition).
- A Field Survey was undertaken at the banks of Yamuna River, Okhla. This Field visit was conducted to study Delhi Floods 2023 for the Disaster Management Based Project work course of semester VI students during February 21-25, The areas covered were Jagatpur, Majnu ka Tila, Civil Lines, Yamuna Bazar, Yamuna Bank metro station area, Okhla.
- Field survey in Gujarat was organised for the students of semester VI between 28nd of March to 3rd April 2024. The topic of the Fieldwork was “Assessing the impact of the Biparjoy cyclone in the Western Coastal “
- The Department of Geography organised the field work trip at Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI), Delhi for the students of IV semester on 15th April The topic of the Fieldwork was “Recent development in Agriculture Research”.
