Use modern technology with traditional wisdom: Naeem Akhtar to Engineers

Bats for use of renewable energy, rainwater harvesting in new buildings

SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 15: Terming engineers as a cream of society Minister for Public Works Naeem Akhtar today stressed on the need to use modern technology in consonance with traditional wisdom and utmost commitment to public welfare.

The Minister while presiding over the Golden Jubilee celebration of Engineers Day at Institute of Engineers (India), Jammu and Kashmir State Centre, said that an engineer should never stop learning and should always consider himself as a student.  “The world is moving ahead with technology that makes building designing efficient, safe and in consonant with local environment. We need to adopt modern technology but with an undying commitment to build the society for better and help the humans,” said the Minister.

While praising the vernacular architecture of Kashmir, the Minister said that despite not having modern technology the carpenters and masons of earlier era have designed some of the most earthquake resistant and durable buildings. “Those masons and carpenters had evolved as engineers by applying their mind and utilizing the knowledge passed on to them from generations,” said Minister. “Unfortunately we have stopped looking back and that approach to change. The traditional wisdom has to come to fore in our constructions.”

The Minster gave mementos to various two engineers for their achievements in academics. The Minister called on the younger generation of engineers to start resisting various pulls and pressures and never digress from their original work. He advised them to be remained to ground and take as much knowledge and experience as possible. He said that engineers need to connect to people at local level and only then will our model of sustainable development be functional in real sense.

Calling on the need to preserve resources the Minister said that renewable energy, rainwater harvesting, sunshine utilization and all advantages of local weather need to be incorporated in every new building. He directed the engineers not to approve a building without giving it proper thought about every aspect including local architecture.

Secretary Technical Bimal Tickoo, Chief Engineer R&B Shekh Abdul Hamid, chairman Institute of Engineers India, J&K Centre  and other officials were also present on the occasion. The engineers highlighted various issues facing their career prospects to which Minister said that all problems will be resolved in time bound manner.