Awantipora, September 25: The Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) concluded a two-day Training and Capacity Building Workshop on “Earthquake Risk Mitigation and Management”, held on September 24–25. The workshop was organised by the Centre for Disaster Risk Reduction (CDRR) in collaboration with the Departments of Civil Engineering and Architecture, IUST, and the Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction (DMRRR), Govt. of J&K.
The event brought together academics, government officials, engineers, and students to address the pressing challenges of earthquake risks in the multi-hazard prone Himalayan region of Jammu & Kashmir. Attendees from District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs), Public Works (R&B) Department, Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Srinagar Development Authority (SDA), other government departments, and academic institutions were felicitated with certificates.
Experts including Prof. Harsh K. Gupta (President, Geological Society of India), Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo (Vice Chancellor, IUST), Dr. Saurabh Shiradhonkar (IIT Roorkee), Dr. Rakesh Chandra (University of Kashmir), Mr. Arjimand Hussain (International Development Practitioner), Dr. Shujaat Hussain Buch (IUST), Dr. Midhat Fayaz (University of Kashmir), and Er. Muttahir Hussain shared practical insights, highlighting critical issues and the need for effective earthquake risk reduction and management.
Over the two days, the workshop featured thematic sessions on developing an earthquake-resilient society, traditional architecture of Kashmir, and earthquake safety; a panel discussion on the seismic vulnerability of the Kashmir Valley; sessions on micro-seismic zonation, rapid visual screening (RVS) of buildings for seismic hazard, seismic assessment of structures for risk reduction; along with several group brainstorming exercises.
The inaugural session featured Chief Guest Prof. Harsh K. Gupta, who spoke on the region’s seismic vulnerability; Vice Chancellor Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, who stressed the importance of earthquake risk mitigation; and Guest of Honour Prof. Muzaffar Ahmad (Former Member, National Disaster Management Authority), who emphasized stronger DRR policies, early warning systems, and building code enforcement. The valedictory session was presided over by Dean of Research, Dr. Aabid Hussain Shalla, while Er. Mir Aijaz Ahmad, Head, Department of Civil Engineering, presented a detailed summary of the workshop’s proceedings.
