IEI-EPG Seminar: Scientists, policy experts call for urgent action to safeguard J&K’s glaciers

By: Imtiyaz Shah

Srinagar: Amid rising global concerns over climate change, the Institution of Engineers (India), J&K State Centre (IEIJKSC) in association with Environmental Policy Group (EPG), Saturday hosted a one-day seminar in Srinagar to mark World Water Day under the theme “Glacier Preservation”. The seminar brought together a wide array of scientists, academicians, engineers, policymakers and environmentalists who raised serious concerns over the rapidly changing climate in Jammu & Kashmir and the urgent need to act.

The seminar featured presentations from top experts and thought leaders in the field, who not only shared cutting-edge research but also made policy recommendations to combat the alarming state of glaciers in the region.

Glacier melts and rising temperatures: J&K exceeds global warming trends

Delivering the Chief Guest address, Prof. Dr. Shakil A. Romshoo, Vice-Chancellor of Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), emphasized the worrying state of glaciers across Jammu & Kashmir. He noted that the mean temperature rise in J&K has been significantly higher than the global average, a statistic he described as “deeply alarming.”

Romshoo, known for his pioneering research on climate change in the Himalayas, underscored that J&K’s ecological fragility demands specific attention in climate policies. “The pace at which our glaciers are receding, especially in high-altitude belts like Pir Panjal and Zanskar, should be an eye-opener,” he said. He called for integrating scientific findings into actionable policies and investments in climate resilience.

Policy advocacy and non-engineering solutions

Arjimand Hussain, Development Economist and Founder of Ziraat Times, delivered a compelling presentation connecting glacier melt to food security, hydropower reliability, and water resource planning. He lauded the research being done by IUST and the University of Kashmir (KU), and credited Prof. Romshoo for laying the foundation of evidence-based climate policy in the region.

“Felt so proud to hear about IUST and KU’s brilliant research on climate change issues,” said Arjimand. “Research-based evidence is pivotal in bringing about much-needed environmental policy change in J&K.”

He also proposed the introduction of an ‘environmental cess’ and emphasized the need to make the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regime in J&K meaningful and accountable. “Institutions like the IEI and EPG are increasingly recognizing that many of Kashmir’s environmental challenges require social and ecological—not just engineering—solutions,” he added.

Call for academic-policy collaboration

Er. Ajaz Rasool, Chairman of the Media Committee and a noted Hydraulic Engineering and Environmental Expert, praised the seminar for its breadth of technical presentations. He called upon Kashmir-based universities and research institutions to develop a comprehensive and publicly accessible research database on glaciers across mountain ranges like the Pir Panjal, Shamsabari, and the outer Himalayas.

“There is an urgent need for collaborative data systems focused on the region’s unique geography. This database can serve as a scientific backbone for informed climate policy,” he said.

Engineers advocate for eco-centric approaches

Er. Iftikhar Ahmad Hakim, Chairman of IEI J&K State Centre, acknowledged the vital role engineers must play in shaping climate-conscious infrastructure. “We must accept that not all problems require engineering fixes. Many of our environmental challenges require ecological wisdom,” he remarked.

He highlighted IEI’s proactive role in policy engagement with the government, citing the production of position papers and technical recommendations that advocate for environmentally balanced development strategies.

Emotional appeal for cultural shift

In a heartfelt address, Faiz Bakshi, Convener of the Environmental Protection Group (EPG), made a fervent appeal for a cultural transformation in how society views environmental preservation in Kashmir. “Time is running fast,” he said. “Our culture of inaction and silence needs to end. The preservation of Kashmir’s environment must become our collective moral and civic priority.”

Scientific insights on climate change and glaciers

Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, Director of the Meteorological Department, Kashmir, delivered a detailed presentation on the department’s observational networks and their expansion plans. He emphasized how meteorological data supports early warning systems for floods, landslides, and other climate-induced disasters.

“The role of the Meteorological Department is not limited to weather forecasting anymore. We are now an integral part of climate services across institutions,” he said.

Prof. Dr. Parvez Ahmad, Head of the Department of Geography & Disaster Management at KU, made a gripping presentation distinguishing between weather fluctuations, climate variability, and long-term climate change. He emphasized the importance of public understanding of these terms for meaningful public discourse and policy formation.

Dr. Tariq Abdullah, Assistant Professor at IUST, presented scientific datasets on the status of glaciers in J&K. He offered future scenarios under different carbon emission pathways and emphasized that urgent action could delay some of the most adverse impacts of glacier retreat.

Altaf Andrabi, former Director Agriculture Department Kashmir highlighted the need for actionable climate agenda for sustainable agriculture in Kashmir.

Earlier in the session, Dr. Manoj Kumar, a maritime expert and former honorary secretary of IEI Jharkhand State Centre, spoke virtually and linked glacier preservation to national water security and maritime sustainability.

The technical session concluded with a Q&A round, where participants exchanged views on glacier preservation methods, data-sharing protocols, and public engagement in climate action.

The closing session featured addresses by Er. Ajaz Rasool, Er. Iftikhar Ahmad Hakim, and Prof. Dr. Shakil Romshoo, who reiterated the commitment of their respective institutions to science-driven policy advocacy.

Mementos were distributed to the speakers and guests as a token of appreciation, followed by a vote of thanks by Dr. Jahangeer Ali, Honorary Secretary, IEIJKSC. He thanked all speakers and participants and invited broader collaboration to advance the cause of glacier preservation.