Srinagar: Institution of Engineers (India) J&K State Centre Srinagar organised a webinar on the occasion of World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development. The theme of the webinar was “Engineering for A Healthy Planet- Celebrating the UNESCO Engineering Report”. The day is celebrated across the globe on 4th March and it focuses on celebrating the launch of the 2nd UNESCO Engineering Report “Engineering for Sustainable Development: Delivering on the Sustainable Development Goals” and provided an opportunity to highlight engineers and engineering’s achievements in modern world and improve public understanding of how engineering and technology are central to modern life and for sustainable development.
The webinar was inaugurated by Er Bashir Ahmed Dar, Secretary (Technical) Power Development Department, Govt. of J&K. The participants were welcomed by Er Aamir Ali, Chairman Institution of Engineers. The programme was conducted by Er M. Sultana Waheed Deva. The speakers included Dr. Amir Ali Khan, Faculty National Institute of Disaster Management, Govt of India, Er Shoukat Jeelani, Chief Engineer R&B Kashmir, Er Rashid Ahmed Dar, Chief Engineer Mechanical Engineering Department, Er Iftikhar Ahmed Kakroo, Chief Engineer Irrigation & Flood Control Kashmir.
The Chief Guest appreciated the role of Engineers, especially in difficult times including during COVID and harsh winter, as they played an important role to maintain essential services including roads, power, drinking water. He said that this day offers an opportunity to highlight engineers and their achievements in our modern world and improve public understanding of how engineering and technology are concerned with modern life and for sustainable development. He spoke about various technological achievements made by engineers in J&K.
Aamir Ali said that Engineers are the builders and backbone of the Nation and that they are the main agents of change, the cream of the society, versatile and innovative, and they translate the agenda of development into reality. He said that Engineers ensure optimal, economical, equitable and sustainable use of resources and inculcate the concept of co-existence with nature.
Dr. Amir Ali Faculty NIDM said that engineers play the most crucial role in creating infrastructure throughout the world. Engineers develop, process and transport resources which improves living standards. He said that it’s the engineers that design structures so that they can resist natural disasters. He cautioned that there are many challenges that engineers have to face for ensuring sustainable development.
Chief Engineer MED Kashmir said that human ability can make multi-diverse changes in engineering sustainability. He highlighted engineering achievements in mechanical engineering, solar technology, power plants and hydro generation.
Chief Engineer I&FC Kashmir said that there is a greater need for involving engineers, while taking important decisions, as they can better understand the sustainable issues in a professional and scientific manner and can make the world a better place to live in.
Chief Engineer R&B Kashmir highlighted the need to adopt latest and appropriate technologies for a sustainable world. He shared his experiences and suggested that focus should be on innovation, capacity development, and optimising resources for an eco-friendly system of development.
Senior Engineers and senior Officers, including students from NIT Srinagar, SSM College of Engineering & Technology Parihaspora, Pattan, IEI Council Members, IEI Corporate Members, NGOs, Disaster Management Professionals and prominent citizens also participated in the webinar

KR Desk