IBC J&K Chapter holds webinar on glacier preservation

Srinagar, Mar 22: The Indian Buildings Congress (J&K Chapter) organised a webinar to mark World Water Day, focusing on ‘Glacier Preservation.’

The online event, chaired by Aamir Ali Mir, was inaugurated by Vice Chancellor, Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Prof Shakil Ahmed Romshoo while the presidential address was delivered by President, IBC, Chinmay Debnath.

World Water Day is observed annually on March 22 to highlight the importance of water conservation and judicious use.

This year also marked the first-ever ‘World Day for Glaciers,’ coinciding with the ‘International Year of Glacier Preservation,’ aimed at raising awareness about the vital role glaciers play in climate regulation and global water security.

The webinar was organised by the J&K Chapter of the Indian Buildings Congress (IBC), a national organisation established in 1992 that serves as a platform for professionals, experts, and stakeholders in the building and construction sector.

The IBC conducts seminars and webinars to foster knowledge exchange, research, and innovation, playing a key role in shaping policies and standards for safety, efficiency, and sustainability in the construction industry.

The session featured eminent speakers, including Founder Chairman of J&K RTI Movement and climate activist, Raja Muzaffar Bhat, Dean, School of Life Sciences and Head of Earth Sciences, Central University of Jammu, Prof Sunil Dhar, an independent weather analyst, Faizan Arif, and former Superintending Engineer and IBC member, Rabinder Shekhar.

The event was moderated by Aamir Ali and Convenor, IBC, Irfan Shafi Parrey.

Over 100 participants attended the webinar, including Bimal Kumar Tickoo, IBC Member and former Development Commissioner (Works) & Secretary Technical PWD, Er Rafiq Ahmed Rafiq, former Chief Engineer R&B Kashmir, Abdul Aziz Lone, IBC Member, Prof M.A. Shah, Dean Alumni, National Institute of Technology, Er Tariq Abdullah Saraf, Executive Engineer and IBC Member, Er Anbreena Anjum, Executive Engineer PHE/Jal Shakti Srinagar, Er Abdul Rashid Bhat from EMMRC, senior engineers from the Public Works Department and Rural Engineering Wing, as well as students and faculty from SSM College of Engineering, Parihaspora, various degree colleges, polytechnics, and government and private engineering institutions in J&K.

In his Presidential address, Chinmay Debnath lauded the J&K Chapter for organizing the webinar on such a critical theme.

He expressed hope that the discussions would lead to actionable recommendations for government authorities.

He urged the IBC to hold more such awareness sessions for the benefit of society.

Delivering his keynote address, Prof Shakil Romshoo stressed the urgent need for glaciology studies, which focus on glacier formation, movement, and their interactions with climate.

He revealed that J&K and Ladakh have around 15,000 major glaciers, which serve as a primary source of drinking water.

However, he cautioned that these glaciers are receding at an alarming rate of nearly 20 meters in length and 1 meter in depth per year.

“Global warming, driven by greenhouse gas emissions from developed nations, is causing glacier melt at an unprecedented pace. Unfortunately, its severe impact is being borne by developing countries like India,” Prof Romshoo said.

He also highlighted the concerning decline in winter snowfall, which plays a crucial role in replenishing water reserves.

Prof Sunil Dhar spoke in detail about glacier fluctuations and their impact on the geo-environment of the Western Himalayas, particularly in J&K and Himachal Pradesh.

Raja Muzaffar Bhat highlighted the potential water scarcity resulting from glacier depletion, emphasizing that water is a basic human need and a fundamental right.

Faizan Arif provided insights into Western Disturbances and their effect on glacier health in J&K, while Er Rabinder Shekhar underscored the significance of glacier preservation in the region.

The webinar concluded with a consensus on the need for policy interventions and sustainable measures to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on glaciers and water resources.