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SRINAGAR: National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), in collaboration with the Indian Buildings Congress (J&K Chapter), organized a national level Webinar on “Earthquake-Safe Construction Practices, with Focus on Traditional Taq System.”

In his inaugural address, Dr. Amir Ali Khan, Head, Resilient Infrastructure Division, NIDM, underlined the importance of traditional and indigenous construction methods in enhancing regional disaster resilience. He mentioned that traditional buildings systems are also prevalent in other earthquake prone regions such as Himachal Pradesh and North East.

Er. Aamir Ali, Chairman, Indian Buildings Congress (J&K Chapter), highlighted the historical evolution and resilience of timber-laced masonry (Taq) houses, which have withstood several major earthquakes over centuries. He emphasized the need to integrate the wisdom of traditional construction with modern engineering for safer and more sustainable buildings.

Delivering the technical presentation, Dr. Hakim Sameer Hamdani, Design Director, INTACH Kashmir, gave a detailed presentation on the Taq system, and explained that Taq is a composite, earthquake resistant technique using brick, clay mortar, timber and stone. The embedded timber lacing ties the walls together, providing ductility and allowing the building to flex and absorb seismic shocks.

The Webinar was attended by over 100 participants, including academicians, engineers, architects, students and members of the Indian Buildings Congress from across the country. The session was moderated by Azra Mahwash, Consultant, NIDM, and co-moderated by Prateek Roshan, Consultant, NIDM.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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