Training Programme on Landslide Risk Assessment Concludes at University of Jammu

Jammu, Dec 27: A two-day Training Programme on “Comprehensive Landslide Risk Assessment in Jammu Division” was successfully organized by the Disaster Management Centre, Department of Geology, University of Jammu, in collaboration with the Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (DMRRR), UT of Jammu & Kashmir.

At the inaugural function, Prof. J. P. Singh Joorel, Dean Academic Affairs, University of Jammu, was the Chief Guest. Prof. Meena Sharma, Dean, Faculty of Sciences and Head, Department of Geology, University of Jammu, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour, while Ms. Snober Jameel, Deputy Under Secretary, Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction, was the Special Guest. Around 70 officers, including engineers, revenue officers and planners drawn from tehsil- and district-level administrations, participated in the training programme.

The first day of the programme featured technical sessions by eminent experts in the field of landslide science and disaster management. Prof. G. M. Bhat, Former Head, Department of Geology, University of Jammu, and Member, UNESCO Scientific Advisory Board, delivered an insightful lecture on an overview of landslides in Jammu & Kashmir, highlighting decadal trends, spatial patterns and emerging challenges in the region. The second session was delivered by Prof. Surya Prakash from the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), New Delhi, who spoke on landslide risk management, resilience building and disaster strategies. Sh. Muthu Kumar Ramalingam, Director, Esedios Technology Services Private Limited, a pioneering leader in early warning systems and IoT-based disaster management solutions, discussed instrumentation and solutions being implemented for early warning systems in landslides and cloudbursts.

The second day of the programme was devoted to a geological field visit along the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway, including a visit to the most destructive landslide site in Udhampur Tehsil, where extensive damage to property occurred during September 2025, along with other critical landslide sites for detailed assessment and discussion of mitigation measures. The fieldwork was led by Prof. G. M. Bhat, Prof. Surya Prakash, Prof. S. K. Pandita, Dr. Yudhbir Singh and Dr. Ahsan Ul Haq, who demonstrated field-based landslide assessment techniques and mitigation planning.

The participating officers, particularly the young, enthusiastic and energetic officers, expressed highly positive feedback, stating that the training would significantly help them handle disaster situations, especially landslide-related emergencies, more effectively in the future.

The valedictory session and distribution of certificates were conducted during the fieldwork. The programme was convened by Prof. S. K. Pandita, Director, Disaster Management Centre, while Dr. Yudhbir Singh, Associate Professor, Department of Geology, served as the Organizing Secretary.