Srinagar: The Indian Buildings Congress (IBC), Jammu & Kashmir Chapter, organized an online webinar today to commemorate World Water Day. The event, held under the chairmanship of Er. Aamir Ali Mir, focused on the theme of Glacier Preservation, emphasizing the urgent need for safeguarding glaciers as a vital source of water and climate stability. This year’s observance also marked the First World Day for Glaciers, in line with the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation, highlighting the critical role glaciers play in sustaining life and ensuring global water security.
The webinar was formally inaugurated by Prof. Shakil Ahmed Romshoo, Vice Chancellor of the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST). In his keynote address, Prof. Romshoo raised serious concerns over the alarming rate at which glaciers are receding in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. “There are around 15,000 major glaciers in J&K and Ladakh. They serve as a direct or indirect source of drinking water. However, these glaciers are receding by nearly 20 meters in length and about 1 meter in depth each year,” he revealed. He attributed the rapid glacier melt primarily to global warming caused by greenhouse gas emissions from developed nations, but stressed that the most severe consequences are borne by developing regions like India.
Prof. Romshoo further emphasized the depletion of winter snowfall in recent years, describing it as a “matter of serious concern.” He called for urgent action in the field of glaciology, which he noted has become a thrust area of research at major universities in J&K.
Presidential Address
Delivering the Presidential Address, Er. Chinmay Debnath, President of the Indian Buildings Congress and former President of the Institution of Engineers (India), commended the J&K Chapter for selecting glacier preservation as the focus of this year’s event. “The insights shared during today’s session should be compiled into actionable recommendations for the government,” Debnath suggested. He expressed hope that similar initiatives would continue, promoting broader awareness and policy change in the interest of society and the environment.
Eminent Speakers Highlight Glacier Crisis
Several distinguished speakers addressed the audience, providing valuable insights into glacier health, water security, and environmental sustainability:
Prof. Sunil Dhar, Dean of the School of Life Sciences and Head of Earth Sciences at the Central University of Jammu, provided an in-depth analysis of glacier fluctuations and their impact on the geo-environment of the Western Himalayas, particularly in Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. He explained how changes in glacier mass directly influence the region’s ecology, river systems, and agricultural patterns.
Dr. Raja Muzaffar Bhat, Founder Chairman of the J&K RTI Movement and a noted climate activist, spoke about the severe consequences of glacier depletion on water scarcity. “Life, sanitation, and hygiene become impossible without a reliable supply of drinking water, which is a fundamental human right,” he stressed.
Faizan Arif, one of the youngest independent weather analysts, discussed the relationship between western disturbances and glacier health in Jammu & Kashmir. He explained how erratic weather patterns contribute to the acceleration of glacier melting, warning of long-term impacts on water availability.
Er. Rabinder Shekhar, former Superintending Engineer and a member of the IBC, highlighted the urgent need for glacier preservation initiatives in J&K. He emphasized the role of engineers, planners, and policymakers in safeguarding these critical water resources for future generations.
Large-Scale Participation
The webinar witnessed active participation from over 100 attendees, including senior engineers, academicians, and students from various institutions across Jammu & Kashmir. Notable participants included:
Er. Bimal Kumar Tickoo, IBC Member and Former Development Commissioner (Works) & Secretary Technical PWD
Er. Rafiq Ahmed Rafiq, Former Chief Engineer R&B Kashmir
Abdul Aziz Lone, IBC Member
Prof. M.A. Shah, Dean Alumni, National Institute of Technology
Er. Tariq Abdullah Saraf, Executive Engineer and IBC Member
Er. Anbreena Anjum, Executive Engineer, PHE/Jal Shakti Srinagar
Er. Abdul Rashid Bhat, EMMRC
Senior engineers from Public Works and Rural Engineering Departments
Faculty and students from SSM College of Engineering, Parihaspora, and other degree colleges and polytechnic institutes.
The webinar was jointly moderated by Er. Aamir Ali, Member IBC, and Er. Irfan Shafi Parrey, Convenor IBC.
Raising Public Awareness and Policy Impact
The event underscored the growing consensus among experts and stakeholders on the need to address the climate crisis and its impact on glaciers, particularly in the sensitive Himalayan region. The speakers highlighted how glacier retreat affects not just water supply but also biodiversity, agriculture, and disaster risks like flash floods and landslides.
In line with this year’s theme, Glaciers and Food, the discussions also drew attention to how diminishing glaciers threaten food security by impacting irrigation and water availability for farming communities downstream.
Recommendations and Future Roadmap
In his closing remarks, Er. Chinmay Debnath reiterated the need for the IBC to compile the outcomes of the webinar into a formal set of recommendations. These would focus on:
- Strengthening glacier monitoring programs across J&K and Ladakh
- Promoting research and innovation in glaciology, hydrogeology, and water resource management
- Encouraging afforestation and watershed management to enhance glacier sustainability
- Enhancing public awareness campaigns on water conservation
- Developing policies for climate-resilient infrastructure, especially in vulnerable regions
About Indian Buildings Congress (IBC)
The IBC, established in 1992, is a national organization serving as a platform for professionals in the building and construction sector. It plays a key role in shaping policies, setting standards, and promoting sustainability, safety, and efficiency within the construction industry. The J&K Chapter of IBC regularly organizes seminars, workshops, and webinars to promote knowledge sharing and policy discourse on critical issues such as sustainable development and environmental conservation.
