Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!🌟 Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. JAMMU: A two-day workshop on “Disaster Management and Disaster Risk Reduction in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir” commenced at the University of Jammu. The workshop is being organized by the Disaster Management Centre, Department of Geology, University of Jammu, in collaboration with the Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (DMRRR), Government of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
The programme was inaugurated by Prof. Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies, University of Jammu, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while Ms. Snowber Jamil (JKAS), Deputy Secretary to the Government, Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (DMRRR), UT of Jammu and Kashmir, attended the event as the Guest of Honour.
On the occasion, Prof. Neelu Rohmetra released a special booklet titled “When Nature Strikes: Survive & Safeguard.” Addressing the participants, she remarked that Jammu & Kashmir is a region of extraordinary natural beauty and cultural richness; however, its unique geology, geography and climatic conditions make it vulnerable to various natural hazards such as floods, landslides, earthquakes, avalanches, and extreme weather events.
She emphasized that disaster management is not merely about responding to emergencies but also about preparedness, resilience, and sustainable development. She highlighted that workshops of this nature play a vital role in strengthening collective capacity to anticipate risks, reduce vulnerabilities, and respond effectively when disasters occur. By sharing knowledge, experiences, and best practices, institutions can build stronger coordination mechanisms and more resilient communities.
She appreciated the efforts of Prof. S. K. Pandita, Convener of the workshop, and acknowledged the cooperation and support extended by DMRRR, UT of Jammu and Kashmir. Prof. Rohmetra lauded the academic contribution of the authors, noting that the booklet introduces various disasters and provides important dos and don’ts to be followed during emergency situations.
The booklet has compiled by Prof. S. K. Pandita, Director, Disaster Management Centre, University of Jammu; Dr. Yudhbir Singh, Associate Professor, Department of Geology, University of Jammu; and Dr. Ahsan Ul Haq, Assistant Professor, Department of Geology, University of Jammu.
The booklet offers a concise introduction to several natural and human-induced disasters, including earthquakes, landslides, floods, avalanches, fires, snake bites, heat waves, road accidents, and acid attacks. The content is supported by simple illustrations to make it easily understandable for the general public and highlights essential safety measures to help individuals respond effectively during disaster situations.
Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Snowber Jamil emphasized that disaster management is no longer a choice but a necessity in the present time, as natural disasters are occurring with increasing frequency.
She noted that disaster management is not the responsibility of a single department or agency; rather, it requires a multi-stakeholder approach involving government institutions, disaster response agencies, local communities, academia, civil society, and the private sector. She added that community awareness, early warning systems, capacity building, and the use of modern technologies are key components of effective disaster risk reduction.
She further informed that the Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (DMRRR) has formulated an annual calendar of capacity building programmes to train officers from different departments to effectively manage disaster like situations.
Referring to the devastating 2014 floods in Jammu and Kashmir, she highlighted the significant economic losses caused by the disaster and emphasized the importance of preparedness to mitigate such impacts in the future. She added that the Government of Jammu and Kashmir has taken proactive steps in recent years to raise awareness among the public and stakeholders regarding disaster risks in the region.
Around 60 officers from various government departments, including policymakers, engineers, revenue officials, and other technical personnel, are participating in the workshop.
The programme aims to enhance awareness, preparedness, and capacity building in disaster risk reduction and management in the region. The workshop also witnessed the participation of eminent experts and resource persons in the field of disaster management, including Dr. B. K. Bansal, Former Advisor to the Ministry of Earth Sciences and Adjunct Professor, School of Natural Sciences and Engineering, IISc Bengaluru; Col. Sanjay Srivastava, Chairman CROPC and Technical Advisor, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Government of India; and Dr. Ran Bhushan from the J&K Health Department.
Earlier in his welcome address, Prof. S. K. Pandita, Convener of the workshop and Director, Disaster Management Centre (DMC), University of Jammu emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts, scientific understanding, and community awareness in reducing disaster risks in the Himalayan region, which is highly vulnerable to multiple hazards. He also highlighted the contributions and initiatives of the Disaster Management Centre.
The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Yudhbir Singh, Organizing Secretary of the workshop, who expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest, Guest of Honour, distinguished speakers, collaborating departments, participants, and the organizing team for their support in making the event successful.
The first technical session was conducted by Dr. Yudhbir Singh, who introduced the participants to the Disaster Management Act, 2005, its background, and its significance in strengthening disaster governance in India. He also shared valuable field experiences related to the 2005 Kashmir earthquake.
The session was followed by an expert lecture by Dr. B. K. Bansal on the topic “Towards an Earthquake-Resilient India: Scientific Advances for Risk Reduction.” Another lecture was delivered by Col. Prof. Sanjay Srivastava on “Building Resilience, Preventing Disasters: Challenges and Solutions.” The speakers emphasized that in regions like Jammu & Kashmir, special attention must be given to strengthening local preparedness. Empowering local administrations, training first responders, integrating traditional knowledge with scientific methods, and ensuring effective communication networks can significantly reduce the impact of disasters and enhance community resilience.