IEI Jammu & Kashmir State Centre observes World Habitat Day
Experts call for climate-resilient, inclusive and sustainable habitats
05/10/2026
Srinagar, October 5,(KIP)-The Institution of Engineers (India), Jammu & Kashmir State Centre (IEI-JKSC), organized a Technical Talk and Panel Discussion on the occasion of World Habitat Day 2026, on the theme “Adequate Housing for All.” The programme brought together senior engineers, former administrators, professionals, academicians and representatives of civil society to deliberate on affordable, safe, sustainable and resilient housing and human settlements.
The programme was attended by Executive Committee Members of IEI-JKSC, led by Er. Ferdous Ahad Bhat, FIE, Chairman, IEI-JKSC. Er. Syed Raza Shah Madni, Former Secretary Technical (PHE), was the Chief Guest, while Er. Farooq Ahmad Wani, FIE, Former Chief Engineer (Mechanical); Er. Naseer Ahmad Kakroo, FIE, Former Chief Engineer (Civil); and Dr. Touseef Bhatt, President, Rotary Club, Kashmir, were the Guests of Honour.
Among the distinguished special guests were Dr. G.N. Qasba, Former Commissioner, SMC; Syed Farooq Geelani, IFS (Retd.), Former Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests; Dr. G.N. Itoo, Former Director General, School Education Department, Kashmir; Er. Mushtaq Ahmad Hafiz, Chief Engineer (Retd.); Er. Basharat Jeelani Kawoosa, Chief Engineer (Retd.); Er. Sajad Ahmad Wani, Executive Engineer (Retd.); and Adv. Nadeem Qadri, besides other dignitaries and members of the engineering fraternity.
Welcoming the participants, Er. Ferdous Ahad Bhat, FIE, emphasized that adequate housing must go beyond the mere provision of shelter and encompass safety, affordability, essential infrastructure, accessibility, environmental responsibility and human dignity.
The panel discussion comprehensively deliberated on a range of issues, including affordable housing and housing security; climate- and disaster-resilient housing; sustainable and energy-efficient construction; access to basic services and infrastructure; inclusive housing for vulnerable communities; innovative and cost-effective construction technologies; integrated urban planning, connectivity and community development; and governance, policy, financing and institutional frameworks.
The participants stressed that the focus should shift from merely creating housing units to developing sustainable, resilient and liveable communities, requiring coordinated efforts by government agencies, engineers, planners, financial institutions and civil society.
The Chief Guest, Er. Syed Raza Shah Madni, appreciated the initiative and highlighted the importance of sound planning, essential infrastructure and coordinated institutional efforts in ensuring adequate housing.
The Guests of Honour, Er. Farooq Ahmad Wani and Dr. Touseef Bhatt, also appreciated IEI-JKSC for providing a professional platform for deliberation on an issue of significant social and developmental importance.
As a significant outcome of the programme, IEI-JKSC will compile a comprehensive Policy Brief incorporating the recommendations, key deliberations and outcomes of the Technical Talk and Panel Discussion. The Policy Brief will subsequently be submitted to the concerned Government authorities for consideration and appropriate policy-level action.