IUST hosts 2-day workshop on integrated water management, flood risk reduction

Awantipora, Sep 10: The Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) today inaugurated a two-day Training and Capacity Building Workshop on “Integrated Water Management and Flood Risk Reduction.”

The programme is jointly organised by the Centre for Disaster Risk Reduction (CDRR), Department of Environment, Sustainability and Climate Change, and Department of Planning and Geomatics at IUST, in collaboration with the Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (DDMRRR), Government of J&K. Around 60 officials from government departments, academics, researchers, experts, and students are participating.

The inaugural session was attended by Nasir Aslam Wani, Advisor to the Chief Minister of J&K, as Chief Guest; Prof. Shakil A Romshoo, Vice Chancellor IUST; Dr Muzaffar Ahmad, former NDMA member, as Guest of Honour; and Snowber Jameel, Deputy Secretary DDMRRR, as Special Guest.

In his address, Nasir Aslam Wani stressed the urgency of effective water management and flood preparedness in J&K. He described the workshop as both timely and relevant, and praised IUST for its role in sensitising stakeholders.

Prof. Romshoo highlighted the strong link between climate change and 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 a broader effort to support government agencies and empower local communities with knowledge for resilience,” he said.

Dr. Muzaffar Ahmad, in his keynote address, noted that floods have impacted Kashmir since the 7th century, with siltation and wetland encroachment worsening the threat. Referring to the 2014 floods, he urged participants to integrate traditional practices with modern approaches. Ms. Snowber Jameel, while congratulating IUST, said, “It is for the first time that DDMRRR has included such workshops in its annual calendar. IUST’s initiative is a significant contribution to strengthening disaster preparedness in J&K.”