In the back drop of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, which emphasizes on the empowerment of local communities to mitigate and prevent loss of life and property, Amar Singh College in Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar city organized a seminar on ‘Disaster Management and Community Resilience’.
The seminar was organized by the Department of Geography in collaboration with the debates and seminars committee of the college.
Prof Shujat Ahmad Banday, Head, Department of Geography laid emphasis on the preventive measures of disasters and natural calamities. He argued that use of planning and application of preventive technologies can be helpful in the prevention of life and property.
Prof. Bashir Ahmad Rather, Principal of the college, who presided over the seminar, in his presidential address threw light on various aspects of natural and man-made disasters. He emphasized on the practical implications and explained the mitigation practices.
Dr GM Dar, Disaster Management expert from IMPA, Srinagar, while highlighting the history of disasters, argued that experience and knowledge can be applied to cope with the challenges. He said that vulnerable communities need to be made acquainted with both preparatory and post disaster skills.
N. Shafat Ahmad, Law & Development Practitioner and Co-Founder, Centre for Law and Development Policy, in his speech explained the legal interventions like Disaster Acts and the need of proper planning and training. He added that Disaster Governance focus on context specific preparedness and establishment of proper communication system.
On this occasion, Dr Saima Farhad, faculty, Department of Social Work, University of Kashmir dwelt on gender sensitivity in planning and preparedness for the disaster management.
Dr. Shabeena Kuttay, Convener, Debates and Seminars Committee and Dr. Deeba, Department of English, jointly conducted the proceedings of the seminar.