Awantipora: A two-day capacity-building workshop titled Climate Change Adaptation & Disaster Risk Reduction commenced on Tuesday at the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST). The workshop 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, Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, Vice-Chancellor of IUST, outlined a detailed disaster vulnerability profile for Jammu & Kashmir, emphasizing the necessity for improved coordination among stakeholders and enhanced capacity building. He highlighted IUST’s active role in disaster research, climate-resilient development planning, and community awareness through its specialized academic and research centers. Prof. A. H. Moon, Dean of Academic Affairs, addressed the significant economic and humanitarian consequences of past floods and earthquakes in the region, advocating for stronger mitigation and preparedness strategies. Mr. Qazi Qamar Iqbal, Dean of the School of Architecture & Planning, identified habitat loss as a critical factor increasing human risk exposure and stressed the importance of actionable planning to create safer environments. Dr. Jasia Bashir welcomed participants and emphasized the urgent need to integrate climate-change adaptation strategies with disaster-risk reduction
