Awantipora, March 24: The Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), today observed World Water Day 2026 through a day-long programme organized by the Department of Environment, Sustainability and Climate Change at the campus.
Delivering the keynote address, Vice Chancellor Prof. Shakil A Romshoo described water as the most vital natural resource of Jammu & Kashmir, noting that the region, along with Ladakh, is often referred to as the “water tower of Asia.” He expressed concern over increasing threats to water resources, including rising pollution levels, rapidly declining glaciers, and changing climate patterns leading to prolonged dry spells. He called for collaborative efforts among stakeholders and greater engagement of policymakers to strengthen water governance.
Highlighting the theme of the programme, Prof. Romshoo noted that women are disproportionately affected by water scarcity, as they are primarily responsible for ensuring water availability at the household level. He stressed the need to actively include women in discussions and decision-making processes related to water management and governance.
Prof. Ayaz Hassan Moon, Dean Academic Affairs, spoke about the significance of the day and underscored IUST’s contributions to national missions. He stressed that the message of water conservation must be taken forward with urgency, advocating for effective water management and governance. He emphasized the importance of water budgeting in view of future needs and highlighted the role of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, in improving water resource management.
Earlier, Dr. Sumira Nazir Zaz highlighted the critical intersections of water, women, and gender, emphasizing the need for inclusive approaches in addressing water-related challenges. The programme featured technical sessions, theme-based discussions on water and gender, and a panel discussion on key challenges for sustainable water resource management in Jammu & Kashmir.
Comments are closed.