Japan varsity commissions Intach report on Kashmir heritage

Srinagar, Oct 27 (UNI) An Intach research project on disaster risk management of heritage in Kashmir has been commissioned by a Japan university.

In a release here, Intach Jammu and Kashmir chapter's convenor M Saleem Beg said the devastating earthquake of October 8 last year generated a lot of interest in traditional Kashmiri architecture across the world.

Experts on disaster management within and outside the country have started an intensive study of the impact of the powerful earthquake and architectural response developed by traditional societies in such situations, he added.

Mr Beg said Intach Jammu and Kashmir chapter has undertaken a research project on disaster risk management of heritage in Kashmir. The project has been commissioned by the Centre for Disaster Mitigation of Urban Cultural Heritage, University of Kyoto, Japan, he added.

Mr Beg said the project envisages study of transformation in traditional architecture of the Kashmir Valley and access disaster vulnerability of this transformation.

The study would also bring out an impact of natural hazards and identify social, economic and other reasons that adversely affect the settlements, he added.

''The chapter also proposes to provide an assessment of relief and rehabilitation programme undertaken by the government and non-governmental organisations in Kashmir. A detailed assessment would also be made about the repair and retrofitting plans for traditional houses,'' Mr Beg said.

The report would help provide a detailed assessment of the need and use of local knowledge for mitigation against the natural disasters in highly disaster-prone areas such as Kashmir.

Mr Beg said the project team has already conducted field visits to the quake-hit areas of Uri, Tangdhar and Lolab.

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