World Water Day
Indian Buildings Congress (J&K Chapter) observed an online Webinar on the occasion of World Water Day on 22nd March 2025 at Srinagar under the Chairmanship of Er Aamir Ali Mir. The Webinar with the theme Glacier Preservation, was inaugurated by Prof Shakil Ahmed Romshoo, Vice Chancellor, Islamic University of Science and Technology. The Presidential address was given by Er. Chinmay Debnath, President IBC. Every year 22nd March is observed as World Water Day and the day focuses on the importance and need to conserve water, ensure its judicious use and to help create public awareness about the issue. This was also the 1st World Day for Glaciers, coinciding with the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation raising awareness about the crucial role that Glaciers play in the climate system and global water security. The webinar was organised by the J&K Chapter of Indian Buildings Congress (IBC).
The eminent speakers included Dr. Raja Muzaffar Bhat, Founder Chairman of J&K RTI Movement and a dedicated Climate Activist; Prof Sunil Dhar, Dean, School of Life Sciences and HOD Earth Sciences, Central University of Jammu; Shri Faizan Arif one of the youngest independent weather analyst; Er. Rabinder Shekhar, Former Superintending Engineer and Member IBC. The Webinar was moderated by Er. Aamir Ali, Member IBC and Er. Irfan Shafi Parrey.
More than 100 participants attended the online Webinar, including 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 Department and Rural Engineering Wing; Students & Staff from SSM College of Engineering, Parihaspora, Students and Staff from various Degree Colleges, Polytechnics and various Govt. and private Engineering Colleges of J&K.
In his Presidential Address Er. Chinmay Debnath President, Indian Buildings Congress and former President of Institution of Engineers (India) congratulated the J&K Chapter for organizing the Webinar on this important theme. He expressed hope that the outcome of the Webinar would be compiled in the form of recommendations so that actionable points can be communicated to the Government. He hoped that more such useful sessions will be concluded for the betterment of the society in coming days.
Speaking on the occasion Dr Romshoo said that Glaciology study, which focuses on the scientific study of Glaciers and Ice, encompassing their formation, movement, properties and interactions with the Earth’s climate and environment is a thrust area of research in major universities of J&K. He said that there are around 15000 major Glaciers in J&K and Ladakh, which are a direct or indirect source of drinking water but the Glaciers in J&K and Ladakh are receding at an alarming rate of almost 20 meters per year in length and 1 meter in depth, every year.
He said that Global warming, is caused by Greenhouse gas emissions primarily caused by developed nations, but the impact is felt by developing countries like India and we often experience its most severe impacts, like accelerating melting of Glaciers. He said that we have been experiencing depletion of snowfall in winters, which is a matter of serious concern.
Prof Sunil Dhar, Dean School of Life Sciences and HOD Earth Sciences Central University of Jammu spoke in detail about the Glacier fluctuation and its impact on the Geo-environment of Western Himalayas, particularly J&K and Himachal Pradesh. Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat spoke about how depletion of Glaciers can result in Water scarcity. He emphasized that life, sanitation or hygiene to impossible without water, as drinking water is a basic human need and right. Faizan Arif spoke in detail about the Western Disturbances and Glacier Health in J&K. Er Rabinder Shekhar spoke about the importance of preservation of Glaciers in J&K.