SRINAGAR: The Institution of Engineers (India), Jammu and Kashmir State Centre (IEI-JKSC), has called for a shift from merely creating housing units to developing affordable, safe, climate-resilient and sustainable communities, with experts stressing the need for integrated planning, essential infrastructure and stronger institutional coordination.
The call was made during a Technical Talk and Panel Discussion organised by IEI-JKSC to mark World Habitat Day 2026 on the theme “Adequate Housing for All”.
The discussions focused on housing affordability and security, climate- and disaster-resilient construction, sustainable and energy-efficient buildings, access to basic services, inclusive housing for vulnerable communities, and the use of innovative and cost-effective construction technologies.
Participants also highlighted the need for integrated urban planning, better connectivity and community development, besides appropriate governance, financing, policy and institutional mechanisms to address housing requirements.
Welcoming the participants, IEI-JKSC Chairman Er Ferdous Ahad Bhat said adequate housing should extend beyond the provision of shelter and include safety, affordability, essential infrastructure, accessibility, environmental responsibility and human dignity.
The participants emphasised that achieving adequate housing would require coordinated efforts involving government agencies, engineers, planners, financial institutions and civil society.
Chief Guest Er Syed Raza Shah Madni, former Secretary Technical (PHE), stressed the importance of sound planning, essential infrastructure and coordinated institutional efforts in ensuring adequate housing.
Guests of Honour Er Farooq Ahmad Wani, former Chief Engineer (Mechanical), and Dr Touseef Bhatt, President of Rotary Club, Kashmir, appreciated the initiative and the platform provided by IEI-JKSC for deliberations on housing as a major social and developmental issue.
As a follow-up to the programme, IEI-JKSC will prepare a comprehensive Policy Brief incorporating the recommendations, deliberations and outcomes of the technical session and panel discussion. The brief will subsequently be submitted to the concerned government authorities for consideration and appropriate policy-level action.
The programme was attended by members of the IEI-JKSC Executive Committee, senior engineers, former administrators, professionals, academicians and civil society representatives.
Among those present were Dr G.N. Qasba, former Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation; 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, Er Basharat Jeelani Kawoosa and Er Sajad Ahmad Wani, all former senior engineering officials; and advocate Nadeem Qadri.
