The Institution of Engineers (India), J&K State Centre (IEI -JKSC), today concluded a comprehensive two-day seminar on 'Integrating Risk-Informed Planning for Sustainable Development' held at the Auditorium of the Institution of Engineers (India), J&K State Centre located at Church Lane, Sonwarbagh, Srinagar.
Held in a hybrid format, the event held on October 26th and 27th brought together national and international participants and speakers, drawing a diverse audience from various sectors, including former Chief Engineers, academicians, policymakers, students, and Corporate/ Executive Committee Members of IEI besides students from SSM College of Engineering and the University of Kashmir, among others.
The day ist of the seminar featured distinguished speakers, including Er. Tavqir Shafi (AMIE), Corporate Member of IEI J&K State Centre, Srinagar, who presented virtually from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Other notable speakers were Er. Shabir Alamgir, Er. Mohammad Amin Bhat, and Er. Sajad Rafiq from the Jhelum and Tawi Flood Recovery Project (JTFRP).
They presented comprehensive work of Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery which can become the foundation for Risk-Informed Planning & Development in the state.
The highlights of the day two included an engaging lineup of expert speakers viz.
Saleem Beg, State Convener of INTACH; Er. Rafiq Ahmad Rafiq, Former Chief Engineer (Civil); Dr. Pervez Ahmad, Head, Department of Geography & Disaster Management, University of Kashmir, who delivered the keynote address and Er. Iftikhar Ahmad Hakim (FIE), formerly Chief Town Planner, Kashmir, and Chairman of IEI J&K State Centre, Srinagar.
The seminar’s chief guest, Er. Syed Raza Shah Madni, former Secretary to the Government of J&K, highlighted the importance of adopting a proactive approach to risk management within development projects, especially in a world where unpredictable environmental and social challenges have become the norm.
Under the patronage of Er. Iftikhar Ahmad Hakim (FIE), Chairman of IEI J&K State Centre, and coordinated by Dr. Jahangeer Ali (MIE), Honorary Secretary of IEI J&K State Centre, the seminar aimed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills to anticipate and manage risks.
Presentations delved into advanced methodologies such as big data analytics, machine learning, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), which can become the foundation for Risk-Informed Planning & Development.
With a focus on practical application, the seminar included case studies that demonstrated the benefits of multi-stakeholder collaboration to build resilient, adaptable communities.
Discussions also explored the alignment of national regulatory frameworks with global standards like the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), underscoring the importance of policy in fostering resilience.
This seminar marks a significant step forward in empowering engineers, planners, and policymakers to lead sustainable and risk-informed development efforts across the country.
