LG releases book

Srinagar, Oct 9: In a very impressive function organised by the All J&K Post Graduate Engineers Association in the Auditorium of Raj Bhavan, Srinagar, the  LG, Manoj Sinha, released a book titled "Handbook on Water Supply."

The book, authored by renowned Indian water expert Er G.S. Jha and Dr. Muzamil Ahmad Rafiqui, Executive Engineer of the Jal Shakti Department was released in the presence of Additional Chief Secretary/Financial Commissioner of the Jal Shakti Department,  Shaleen Kabra, Chairman of JKWRRA Er. Iftikhar Kakroo, and other senior government officials. Among the audience were both graduate and post-graduate engineers, along with the families of the authors and some prominent citizens.

LG praised the efforts of the authors and all other post-graduate engineers for engaging with literature at national and global levels to identify gaps and create necessary guiding tools to address shortfalls and knowledge gaps. He further appreciated the role of the ACS of the Jal Shakti Department and his contributions, which are evident in the dynamism he has exhibited in revitalizing the department.

The ACS of the Jal Shakti Department extended his heartfelt thanks to the PG Engineers Association for inviting him to the event, allowing him to gain insight into the remarkable work done by the two authors. He discussed the need for advanced research and development in flood mitigation, water management, and earthquake preparedness to evaluate technical tools that can combat the adverse effects of these catastrophes.

Chairman of JKWRRA, Iftikhar Kakroo, while commending the authors for preparing this compendium for the first time in the history of J&K engineering, stated that it is a revolutionary measure that has broken a stalemate in the departments regarding knowledge sharing. He emphasized that this effort should energize field agencies to adopt prompt and innovative solutions for improving water supply schemes and optimizing gains.

Former Chairman of JKWRRA, Er. G.S. Jha, reflected on his tenure as chairman, during which he observed knowledge gaps in his interactions with engineers in various meetings and workshops. He acknowledged that the book has come to fruition only due to the persuasion and single-minded dedication of his co-author, Dr Muzamil Rafiqui.

Co-author Dr  Muzamil Ahmad Rafiqui, while introducing the handbook to the audience, highlighted the ever-increasing challenges in project formulation and implementation, particularly concerning global advances in technology. He noted that this genuine exercise has aimed to evaluate key gaps and work out the best possible technical solutions, as presented in the handbook.

In concluding the function, the LG assured engineers that the government would extend all possible help and support to them and other officials associated with infrastructure development. He urged them to conduct themselves both professionally and personally in a manner befitting their qualifications and the aspirations of the common people they serve.