• Centre for Disaster Risk Reduction to spearhead capacity-building initiative to enhance resilience in one of India’s most hazard-prone regions

AWANTIPORA: The Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), through its Centre for Disaster Risk Reduction (CDRR), has been selected by the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), Government of Jammu and Kashmir, to lead an ambitious capacity-building programme on disaster preparedness and risk reduction for key stakeholder communities across the Union Territory. This initiative marks a significant milestone in building a resilient Jammu and Kashmir, vulnerable to multiple hazards such as earthquakes, floods, landslides, avalanches, climate extremes, and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs).

The programme involves a series of targeted workshops and trainings scheduled throughout the year (2025), focusing on diverse groups including government officials, urban planners, engineers, academics, NGOs, and community representatives. These multi-day sessions aim to enhance disaster literacy, technical preparedness, and inter-agency coordination across the region. Experts from national institutions and leading universities will facilitate the sessions through interactive modules, field visits, and simulations. 

Speaking about the program, Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, Vice-Chancellor, IUST, stated that given Jammu and Kashmir's disaster vulnerability, risk reduction is not just a policy concern but it is an existential necessity. He added that this initiative reflects our deep commitment to strengthening the capacity of institutions and communities to better prepare for and respond to disasters and help build a safer and more resilient Jammu & Kashmir.

Prof. Romshoo said that this initiative positions IUST as a pioneering academic institution not only in disaster research but also in directly supporting governance and community resilience in one of India’s most disaster-prone regions. The capability building workshops will cover disaster-specific themes and will combine scientific insights with practical tools and community-based preparedness frameworks.

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In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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