Awantipora, September 10: The Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST)Awantipora today inaugurated a two-day Training and Capacity Building Workshop on Integrated Water Management and Flood Risk Reduction – Building a Disaster-Resilient J&K 2025.
The inaugural session was graced by Nasir Aslam Wani (Sogami), Advisor to the Omar Abdullah Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir who attended the event as the Chief Guest. He underlined the importance of adopting sustainable water management practices and effective disaster risk reduction strategies in view of the region’s vulnerability to floods and climate-related challenges.
Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, Vice Chancellor IUST, served as the Patron of the workshop. In his address, he emphasized that climate change and unplanned urbanization have amplified the risks of water-related disasters, making it imperative for academic institutions, policymakers, and practitioners to work in tandem to build disaster-resilient communities.
The event also witnessed the presence of Dr. Muzafar Ahmad, Former Member of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Former Director of Health Services, as the Guest of Honour. Drawing from his rich experience, he highlighted the need for robust preparedness measures, community engagement, and evidence-based policy planning to mitigate disaster risks.
Among other dignitaries present were Snober Jameel, Deputy Secretary, Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (DMRRR), and Abdul Wahid Makhdoomi, Registrar IUST. A large number of students, faculty members, and researchers also participated in the event, reflecting the growing interest in disaster risk management and sustainable development.
The workshop has been jointly organized by the Centre for Disaster Risk Reduction, Department of Environment, Sustainability and Climate Change, and Department of Planning and Geomatics, IUST, in collaboration with the Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction, Government of J&K.
Over the course of two days, the workshop will feature technical sessions, expert lectures, and interactive discussions aimed at enhancing institutional and community capacities in water resource management and flood risk reduction. The program seeks to develop innovative approaches and best practices that can contribute towards building a safer and more resilient Jammu and Kashmir.
The initiative is expected to pave the way for stronger academic-government partnerships, promote knowledge sharing, and encourage youth participation in addressing one of the most pressing challenges facing the region.
Speaking on the occasion, Nasir Aslam Wani underlined the urgency of effective water management and flood preparedness in J&K. He said that workshops like this at IUST are extremely relevant and timely, and commended IUST for taking the lead in the sensitization of the stakeholders.
Prof. Shakil A Romshoo, Vice Chancellor IUST, stressed the strong connection between climate change and the increasing frequency of extreme rainfall events. “At IUST, we are committed to research and capacity building on issues that directly impact our communities. This workshop is part of our larger effort to support government agencies and empower local communities with knowledge for resilience,” he noted.
Speaking to the media, Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani said that today a very important seminar was organized by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo at IUST Awantipora. The seminar will discuss what actions were taken after the severe difficulties we faced during the 2014 floods, how far the flood mitigation plan was implemented, and what needs to be done going forward to prevent such incidents in the future.
He added that it has become a major challenge for us that after every rainfall, a flood-like situation arises here. Even though the capacity of our river Jhelum is limited, there is a need to enhance our flood channels.
