Three day training programme on Disaster Resilient Development in Mountains

Training cum Faculty Development Programme on Disaster Resilient Development in Mountains: Context of Ladakh Leh, Ladakh, July 8, 2024 – A three day training cum Faculty Development Programme on Disaster Resilient Development in Mountains: Context of Ladakh, was jointly organized by the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), Ministry of Human Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi, and the University of Ladakh. The event is being hosted at the, University of Ladakh, Leh Campus, UT Ladakh. This program held from 5th to 7th July 2024 at the University of Ladakh, Leh Campus, brought together notable experts and speakers to address critical issues and strategies pertaining to disaster resilience in mountainous regions, with a specific focus on Ladakh. About 120 participants attended a training cum faculty development programme, with 24 from Kargil and 70 from Leh, representing 15 different villages and other parts of Ladakh. They hailed from diverse departments including the District Disaster Management Authority, Leh Tourism & Culture, Higher Education Department, Technical Education & Skill Development Department, Social & Tribal Welfare Department, Labour & Employment Department, Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, Municipal Committee, Medical Department, Soil Conservation Department Kargil, UTDRF Ladakh, Forest Department, Revenue Department, Disaster Management Department, Municipal Committee, PHE Department, Power Development Department, Horticulture Department, State Taxes Department, and Excise range Leh-Kargil and many more. Distinguished guests including Prof. Talat Ahmad, Chairman Governing body from Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehradun; Anil Gupta, Head of ECDRM at NIDM, Ministry of Human Affairs; Sh. Pradeep Singh, SP Fire and Emergency/UT Disaster Response Force; and Prof. Devesh K Sinha, Dept of Geology, University of Delhi graced the occasion with their presence. The event commenced with a formal welcome of the esteemed guests by Dr. Subrat Sharma, Dean Research, University of Ladakh who emphasized the critical importance of disaster management in the region. Prof. Devesh Sinha delivered the keynote address, highlighting the resilience inherent in local communities and stressing the importance of leveraging these natural strengths. Sh. Pradeep Singh provided special remarks during the inauguration session, underscoring the significance of effective disaster management strategies. Prof. Anil Kumar Gupta further elaborated on the importance of disaster preparedness, emphasizing the need for integrating disaster management into all levels of development planning. Prof. Talat Ahmad shared insights on solar energy and the unique topography of Ladakh, emphasizing the importance of preserving natural ecosystems while pursuing development goals. Training program was successfully coordinated by Dr Ibrahim Yousuf, Assistant Professor, Geology, UoL, Ms Fatima Amin, NIDM, Ms Kratika Pandey, NIDM. A series of technical sessions were held to discuss various aspects of disaster management and climate change, particularly focusing on the Himalayan region. The sessions featured presentations from experts in the field who provided insights into integrated risk resilience, disaster management practices, and climate-induced disasters. The programme aims to equip participants with knowledge and skills essential for disaster-resilient development, considering the unique challenges and opportunities posed by the mountainous terrain of Ladakh