Policy brief to be prepared for government based on recommendations from World Habitat Day discussion
Srinagar, October 5: Experts at a World Habitat Day programme organised by the Institution of Engineers (India), Jammu & Kashmir State Centre (IEI-JKSC), have called for a shift from merely creating housing units to developing affordable, climate-resilient, inclusive and sustainable communities with access to essential infrastructure and services.
The Technical Talk and Panel Discussion, held on the theme “Adequate Housing for All”, brought together engineers, former administrators, academicians, professionals and civil society representatives to discuss housing security, sustainable construction, disaster resilience, urban planning and the needs of vulnerable communities.
A major outcome of the programme was the decision by IEI-JKSC to prepare a comprehensive Policy Brief incorporating the recommendations and key deliberations. The brief will subsequently be submitted to the concerned government authorities for consideration and appropriate policy-level action.
During the discussion, participants stressed that adequate housing should encompass not only shelter but also safety, affordability, accessibility, essential infrastructure, environmental responsibility and human dignity.
The panel identified several priority areas, including affordable housing and housing security; climate- and disaster-resilient housing; sustainable and energy-efficient construction; access to basic services and infrastructure; inclusive housing for vulnerable communities; innovative and cost-effective construction technologies; and integrated urban planning, connectivity and community development.
The participants also highlighted the need for stronger coordination among government departments, engineers, planners, financial institutions and civil society to address housing and settlement challenges.
Welcoming the participants, IEI-JKSC Chairman Er. Ferdous Ahad Bhat, FIE, said adequate housing must go beyond the provision of shelter and include safety, affordability, essential infrastructure, accessibility, environmental responsibility and human dignity.
Chief Guest Er. Syed Raza Shah Madni, former Secretary Technical (PHE), stressed the importance of sound planning, essential infrastructure and coordinated institutional efforts in ensuring adequate housing.
Guests of Honour Er. Farooq Ahmad Wani, FIE, former Chief Engineer (Mechanical), and Dr. Touseef Bhatt, President, Rotary Club, Kashmir, appreciated IEI-JKSC for providing a professional platform to deliberate on an issue of wider social and developmental importance.
The programme was attended by members of the IEI-JKSC Executive Committee and several senior professionals and former officials, including Dr. G.N. Qasba, former Commissioner, SMC; Syed Farooq Geelani, IFS (Retd.), former Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests; Dr. G.N. Itoo, former Director General, School Education Department, Kashmir; Er. Mushtaq Ahmad Hafiz, Chief Engineer (Retd.); Er. Basharat Jeelani Kawoosa, Chief Engineer (Retd.); Er. Sajad Ahmad Wani, Executive Engineer (Retd.); and Adv. Nadeem Qadri.
The discussions were held in connection with World Habitat Day 2026 and focused on the need to make housing and human settlements more sustainable, resilient and inclusive.
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