University of Jammu Organizes Workshop on Pre-Monsoon Preparedness and Disaster Risk Reduction in Jammu

Jammu, August 10: The Department of Environmental Sciences and Green Campus Task Force (GCTF-JU), University of Jammu, in collaboration with the J&K Science, Technology & Innovation Council (JKSTIC), Department of Science and Technology, J&K UT, organized a one-day workshop on “Pre-Monsoon Preparedness and Disaster Risk Reduction in Jammu” at the University of Jammu.

The workshop aimed to create awareness about monsoon-related hazards, disaster preparedness, risk reduction, early warning systems, and the importance of scientific and community-based approaches for building a disaster-resilient Jammu.

Prof. Yash Pal Sharma, Dean, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Jammu, was the Chief Guest on the occasion. In his address, he emphasized the importance of proactive preparedness and scientific understanding of environmental and disaster risks. He said disaster management must move beyond post-disaster response and focus on anticipatory planning, preparedness, resilience building, and active community participation. He stressed that strengthening institutional capacity, promoting scientific awareness, and involving local communities are essential for reducing disaster risks and building resilient societies.

Sh. Mohammad Aslam, IPS, Commandant, SDRF, 2nd Battalion, Jammu, was the Guest of Honour. Sharing his practical experience in disaster response and management, he emphasized the importance of timely response, preparedness, institutional coordination, and community awareness in minimizing the impacts of disasters.

The workshop was funded by the J&K Science, Technology & Innovation Council (JKSTIC), Department of Science and Technology, J&K UT. Ms. Shruti Khanna, Deputy Director, JKSTIC, and Special Guest on the occasion, appreciated the efforts of the Department in organizing the workshop in a systematic and well-coordinated manner. She commended the Department for bringing together experts, academicians, students, and stakeholders on a common platform to deliberate on issues related to disaster preparedness and risk reduction. She assured that JKSTIC would be pleased to extend financial and institutional support for similar initiatives and future endeavours aimed at addressing emerging environmental and disaster-related challenges.

Earlier, the workshop commenced with a welcome address by Prof. Deepika Slathia, Head of the Department. Introducing the theme of the workshop, she emphasized that Jammu is increasingly vulnerable to intense rainfall, flash floods, urban flooding, landslides, and other climate-related hazards. She underscored the importance of pre-monsoon preparedness, proactive risk reduction, and timely planning to minimize the impacts of such hazards and strengthen community resilience.

The distinguished resource persons included Dr. Riyaz Ahmad Mir, Scientist In-Charge, Western Himalayan Regional Centre, NIH, Jammu; Dr. Yudhbir Singh, Associate Professor, Department of Geology, University of Jammu; and Dr. Suresh Kumar, Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Jammu. Their sessions provided participants with valuable insights into hydrological hazards, geological vulnerabilities, environmental risks, monsoon-related challenges, and scientific approaches to disaster risk reduction.

During the first technical session, Sh. Dharam Pal Atri, Principal, Civil Defence Training Institute, Jammu, along with his team comprising Mr. Paramjit Kumar, Chief Warden, Civil Defence, and Mr. R Vijay Magotra, demonstrated Disaster Relief and Rescue Material to the participants.

Dr. Neeraj Sharma and Dr. Suresh Kumar, Organizing Secretaries, coordinated the workshop and ensured its smooth conduct. At the end of the programme, Dr. Neeraj Sharma presented the detailed workshop report, while Dr. Anshu Gupta proposed the formal vote of thanks.

Among others who attended the workshop were Prof. Piyush Malaviya, Dr. Rakesh Kumar and Dr. Anshu Gupta from the Department, faculty members from various departments of the University and colleges, research scholars, and students of the University.