IUST organises workshop on climate change, disaster risk reduction

Awantipora, Nov 25: A two-day capacity-building workshop titled Climate Change Adaptation & Disaster Risk Reduction began today at the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST).

The programme has been jointly organised by the Department of Planning & Geomatics, the Centre for Disaster Risk Reduction, and the Department of Environment, Sustainability and Climate Change in collaboration with the Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (DMRRR), Government of India.

In his inaugural address, Vice-Chancellor Prof Shakil Ahmad Romshoo presented a detailed disaster-vulnerability profile of J&K and stressed the need for stronger coordination among stakeholders and sustained capacity building. He noted that IUST has been actively contributing to disaster research, climate-resilient development planning, and community awareness through its specialised academic and research centres.

Dean Academic Affairs Prof A. H. Moon highlighted the economic and humanitarian fallout of past floods and earthquakes in J&K, calling for reinforced mitigation and preparedness measures. Dean, School of Architecture & Planning, Qazi Qamar Iqbal, spoke about habitat loss as a major driver of human risk exposure and emphasised the need for actionable planning to ensure safer environments. Welcoming the participants, Dr Jasia Bashir underlined the urgency of integrating climate-adaptation strategies with disaster-risk reduction approaches, noting that climate-induced hazards continue to heighten vulnerability across regions.

The workshop features technical sessions on climate-science scenarios, hydrological disaster vulnerability, and the role of the Indian Meteorological Department in early-warning systems. It also includes discussions on government initiatives, multi-departmental engagement, and best practices for resilient community planning. Participants include teachers and researchers from various academic institutions across the union territory.