The Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation (ICAR-IISWC), Dehradun has organized a Special Technical Session on Climate Resilient Technologies on 30.11.2023 at Graphic Era University Campus as part of the ongoing 6th World Congress on Disaster Management, organized by the Uttarakhand Council of Science and Technology (UCOST), Dehradun.

Dr. M. Madhu, Director, ICAR-IISWC convened the session and introduced the focus of the session and participants besides the institute's achievements and way-forward. Dr. P.R. Ojasvi, Senior-most Hydrologist of the Institute chaired the session and spoke on the importance of watershed management and Natural Resource Management (NRM) to tackle climate change impacts. Dr. Charan Singh, Head, HRD & SS Division, IISWC spoke on the human resource development and agroforestry models for resource conservation and livelihoods.

Dr. Rajesh K. Singh, Head, Hydrology and Engineering presented a key-note address on water resource conservation and efficient use of conserved water to contain the impact of climate and improve production potential. Dr. JMS Tomar, Head, Plant Science deliberated on role of vegetation in Soil and Water Conservation (SWC) and different agroforestry models including livelihood avenues from lemon grass and improved horticultural techniques. Dr. D. V. Singh, Head, Soil Science and Agronomy Division spoke on soil resources and their importance and efficient ways of management through a battery of SWC and watershed management technologies.

Dr. M. Muruganandam, Principal Scientist and Head (PME & KM Unit), IISWC, Dehradun spoke on the importance and means of biodiversity conservation in light of various forms of disasters that affect human and natural resources. He shared biodiversity and agro-based models, especially those that are relevant and more suitable for Himalayan region and resources. Earlier, two invited industrial persons spoke on the lining materials and products developed to tackle landslides and water seepage problems.

A total of 6 key-note presentation by panelists from IISWC and invited speaker from lining industry held. During the session, a video film on the glimpse of the Institute's resources and strength for organized research, training and development was shown to the audience. About 40 national and international participants of the 4 days congress held during 28th Nov. to 1st Dec. 2023 at Graphic Era University attended and interacted with the panelists and speakers from IISWC. The Session ended with a Q&A to various concerns of the disasters, SWC and NRM in the perspectives of climate change and sustainability. The following 5 recommendations emerged out of the session that were shared with the organizers for suitable inclusion in the proceedings of the congress.