Srinagar, July 28 (JKNS): The Jammu & Kashmir Civil Engineering Graduates Association (JKCEGA), in collaboration with UltraTech Cement Limited, successfully organised a technical seminar on “Building a Sustainable Jammu & Kashmir – Blended Cement for Durable Construction” at Tagore Hall, Srinagar.
The seminar witnessed enthusiastic participation from civil engineers, academicians, government officials, consultants, contractors, students, and representatives of the construction industry.
The programme served as an important platform for deliberating on sustainable construction practices, innovative technologies, and the role of blended cement in creating durable and environmentally responsible infrastructure.
The event was graced by Er. Narinder Kumar, Chief Engineer, Public Works (R&B) Department, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, as the Chief Guest, while Er. Ashwani Kumar, Chief Engineer PMGSY Kashmir, Er. Noor Ali, Chief Engineer R&B South Kashmir, Er. Sushil Kumar, Chief Engineer R&B North Kashmir, Er. Iftiqar Hakim, Chief Town Planner, Kashmir, and Er. Samiullah Beigh, Chief Engineer, UEED, attended as the Guests of Honour.
Welcoming the dignitaries and participants, the General Secretary, JKCEGA, highlighted the Association’s commitment to continuous professional development, knowledge sharing, and capacity building of engineers.
He emphasized the need to adopt sustainable construction materials and modern engineering practices to support the growing infrastructure needs of Jammu & Kashmir.
The seminar featured a series of high-level technical presentations by renowned experts. Dr. A. K. Singh, Senior Vice President, UltraTech Cement Ltd., delivered a presentation on “Blended Cement over OPC – Understanding the Science Beyond Early Strength.”
Er. Bashir Ahmad Dar, Former Secretary Technical, JKPDD, spoke on “Green Building Technologies.” Er. Gurdeep Singh, Zonal Head (RMC–North), UltraTech Cement Ltd., presented “Enriching Concrete Durability through Blended Cement.”
Dr. Manamohan R. Kalgal, President, Structural Engineers World Congress (India) and Past President, Indian Concrete Institute, delivered an insightful presentation on “Blended Cements for Sustainable Construction.” Dr. Majid Farooq, Senior Scientist, Department of Ecology, Environment & Remote Sensing, presented “Carbon Credit Score: What it Means – Current Scenario of India with Special Reference to Jammu & Kashmir.”
The final technical session on “Building & Infrastructure with Blended Cements – Case Studies” was delivered by Dr. Ramachandra V., Principal Adviser (Technical), UltraTech Cement Ltd. and President, Indian Concrete Institute.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest appreciated JKCEGA for taking the initiative to organise a seminar on a subject of immense contemporary relevance.
He stressed the importance of continuous learning, adoption of modern construction technologies, and strict adherence to quality standards to ensure safe, durable, and sustainable infrastructure across the Union Territory.
The technical sessions concluded with an engaging panel discussion and an interactive question-and-answer session, enabling participants to exchange ideas with the experts on the challenges and opportunities in sustainable infrastructure development in Jammu & Kashmir.
During the valedictory session, the Chief Guest felicitated the Guests of Honour, distinguished speakers, and representatives of UltraTech Cement Limited in recognition of their valuable contributions to the seminar.
Participants appreciated the seminar for its rich technical content and practical insights, describing it as a highly informative initiative that enhanced their professional knowledge and encouraged greater adoption of sustainable engineering practices.
JKCEGA reaffirmed its commitment to organising similar technical programmes in the future to promote engineering excellence, professional capacity building, and sustainable infrastructure development in Jammu & Kashmir. (JKNS)
