IUST Hosts Seminar on Protecting Frozen Water Resources for the Future

Awantipora: The Department of Environment, Sustainability & Climate Change, Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), in collaboration with the Centre of Excellence for Glacial Studies (University of Kashmir), Indian Society of Geomatics (ISG), and the Indian Meteorological Society (IMS), successfully organized a One-Day Seminar cum Panel Discussion on “Protecting Frozen Water Resources for the Future”.
The seminar featured distinguished panellists, including Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, IUST, Mr. Naseer Ahmad Kakroo, Retired Chief Engineer, UEED, J&K; Prof. Humayun Rashid, Professor of Practice, IUST; Er. Ajaz Rasool, Member, Technical Committee, J&K Wetlands Authority; Prof. A.Q. Dar, Head, Water Resources Centre, NIT Srinagar; Dr. Majid Farooq, Scientist, Department of Ecology, Environment & Remote Sensing, J&K; Dr. Sumira Nazir Zaz, Coordinator, Department of Environment, Sustainability & Climate Change, IUST; Dr. Dharam Chand, Coordinator, Biodiversity and Aromatic Park, IUST; and Dr. Yasir Altaf, Assistant Professor, IUST.
In this address, Prof. Romshoo emphasized the need for strengthening early warning systems and advancing scientific research to mitigate the impacts of climate-related disasters. Shri Iftikhar A. Kakroo, in this keynote address underscored the urgent need for comprehensive policies to address water scarcity in the Himalayan region, stressing the importance of governance and community participation in ensuring water security. Prof. Shakeel Ahmed highlighted the critical role of groundwater as a vital resource and called for sustainable management strategies to combat the challenges posed by changing climatic conditions.
The seminar culminated in an engaging panel discussion on “Depleting Water Resources in Kashmir Valley: Need for Action Plans,” where expert panelists shared their perspectives on the current state of water resources in the Kashmir Valley, the alarming decline in glaciers, and the critical need for immediate interventions, policy implementation, and conservation efforts. The event concluded with a call for interdisciplinary collaboration, policy reforms, and increased community awareness to protect the region’s fragile water resources.