Awantipora, May 29: The Centre for Disaster Risk Reduction (CDRR) at the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), organised a program on the pressing issue of landslides in the Kashmir Himalaya. The event aimed to bolster disaster preparedness and risk reduction awareness among students and faculty, aligning with the Centre’s commitment to fostering a culture of safety and resilience.
The key expert of the program was Mr. Abdul Qayoom Paul, Director, Geological Survey of India (GSI), Kashmir, who provided in-depth insights into the triggers, impacts, and mitigation strategies related to landslides, which are increasingly affecting the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
This academic gathering served as a platform for knowledge-sharing and dialogue on disaster risk reduction (DRR), enhancing the capabilities of future professionals and academics in managing and mitigating geohazards.
Dr. Aabid Hussain Shalla, Dean, School of Sciences, while speaking on the occasion, emphasized the importance of scientific understanding in addressing natural hazards. “Equipping our students with scientific knowledge and practical tools to tackle geohazards like landslides is vital for building resilient communities in the Himalayan region,” he said. The program was coordinated by Dr. Irfan Maqbool Bhat, Coordinator, CDRR.