Awantipora : The Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) recently concluded a two-day Training and Capacity Building Workshop focused on Integrated Water Management and Flood Risk Reduction.
The event was organized in collaboration with various departments, including the Centre for Disaster Risk Reduction (CDRR) and the Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (DDMRRR) of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir. The second day of the workshop featured brainstorming sessions led by IUST Vice Chancellor Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, where participants engaged in discussions on various aspects of flood risk reduction. Key topics included strategies for urban flooding presented by Prof. Javed Hussain Mir, community preparedness and coordination by Dr. G. N. Qasba, the role of wetlands in flood mitigation by Prof. Humayun Rashid, and addressing gaps in flood management planning by Prof. Muzaffar Ahmad. A concluding panel discussion, also chaired by Prof. Romshoo, highlighted lessons learned from the 2014 floods and stressed the importance of an integrated approach that combines scientific research, infrastructure development, policy support, and community involvement to enhance disaster resilience in Jammu and Kashmir. Additionally, Dr. Yasir Altaf provided a historical overview of floods in Kashmir, emphasizing the ongoing risks since the 2014 disaster. The workshop concluded with a valedictory session where certificates were awarded, attended by dignitaries including Snowber Jameel, Deputy Secretary of DDMRRR, marking the successful completion of this significant initiative.
