IUST Concludes Workshop on Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure Development in J&K’s Multi-Hazard Himalayan Region

The Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) successfully concluded a three-day Training and Capacity Building Workshop on “Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure Development”, held from July 28 to 30. The event aimed to strengthen disaster preparedness and promote safer infrastructure in the hazard-prone Himalayan region of Jammu and Kashmir.

Table of Contents

Organised by the Centre for Disaster Risk Reduction (CDRR) in collaboration with the Departments of Civil Engineering and Architecture, IUST, and the J&K Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction (DMRRR), the workshop brought together engineers, researchers, government officials, and students from across the region.

Focus on Safer Infrastructure in Seismic Zone

During the inaugural session, Prof. V. K. Gaur (Former Director, National Geophysical Research Institute) stressed the region’s vulnerability to earthquakes. IUST Vice Chancellor Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo called for urgent focus on disaster-resilient infrastructure, while Ms. Snober Jameel (Deputy Secretary, JKDMRRR) and Dr. Muzaffar Ahmad (Former Member, NDMA) highlighted the need for stronger policies, early warning systems, and enforcement of building codes.

Valedictory Session and Key Discussions

The valedictory session, chaired by Prof. Romshoo, included a panel discussion on key outcomes. Dr. Irfan Maqbool Bhat, Assistant Professor and Coordinator of CDRR, presented a detailed summary. Certificates were awarded to participants from departments like Public Works (R&B), DDMA, SMC, SDA, and academic institutions.

Hands-On Learning and Expert Talks

The workshop featured field visits to IUST’s Structural, Geotechnical, and Materials Labs, including the CIED Ultra-Tech Lab, offering participants hands-on demonstrations.

Expert sessions covered:

Seismic vulnerability and rapid visual screening (RVS)
Challenges in DPR preparation
Pitfalls of cost-based bidding in infrastructure projects
Role of traditional and hybrid housing designs in disaster safety

Speakers included Er. Afzal Ahmad (PWD), Dr. Muazim Jan (CSIR-4PI, Bengaluru), Dr. Midhat Fayaz (UoK), and Ar. Mehran Qureshi (IUST), who provided ground-level insights on infrastructure challenges in Jammu & Kashmir.

Promoting a Culture of Preparedness

The workshop successfully fostered awareness and shared practical tools for making infrastructure in J&K more resilient to disasters. Experts praised IUST’s growing role as a knowledge hub for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in the region.

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