On this special day, we reflect on the transformative impact of engineering in Jammu and Kashmir. From constructing vital infrastructure to responding to emergencies, the engineers of J&K exemplify excellence and commitment in every project they undertake.
By Er. Mohammad Iqbal Shah Peerzada
Every year, on September 15th, we come together to celebrate Engineer’s Day, a significant occasion dedicated to honoring the immense and invaluable contributions of engineers to human progress and development across various sectors of society. This day is particularly meaningful as it commemorates the birth anniversary of Sir M. Visvesvaraya, who is widely regarded as one of India’s most distinguished and visionary engineers.
Who Was Sir M. Visvesvaraya?
Born in 1861 in a small village near Bengaluru, Karnataka, Sir M. Visvesvaraya was an exceptional engineer whose expertise spanned a diverse range of fields, including civil engineering, irrigation, and public works. His most notable contribution came in 1908, when the city of Hyderabad was struck by a devastating flood that wreaked havoc on the local infrastructure and community. In response to this crisis, the Nizam of Hyderabad invited Sir Visvesvaraya to lend his expertise and advise on effective flood management strategies.
Sir Visvesvaraya’s solution was groundbreaking; it included designing an advanced drainage system and constructing reservoirs and sewage farms, which collectively laid the foundation for modern flood management practices in the region. His remarkable contributions to engineering and public service were recognized when he was awarded the prestigious Bharat Ratna by the Government of India in 1955, further solidifying his legacy as a pioneer in the field.
Engineering Contributions in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K)
Jammu and Kashmir has also made significant strides in the field of engineering, especially in the years following India’s independence. The erstwhile state, which is now designated as a Union Territory, has produced its own talented engineers who have played an essential role in the infrastructural development of the region. From the construction of roads and bridges to the establishment of hospitals and power stations, J&K’s engineers have worked tirelessly to contribute to the region’s growth and development.
Despite the vital contributions made by engineers in J&K, it is unfortunate that their efforts often go unrecognized. Their significant work is seldom highlighted or celebrated in public forums. However, the recent achievements and advancements in the region provide ample reasons to appreciate and commend the contributions of J&K’s engineering community.
Recent Contributions by J&K Engineers
In the last decade, engineers in Jammu and Kashmir have demonstrated exceptional resilience and competence, successfully meeting the Ministry of Road Transport’s ambitious targets in constructing new roads and completing extensive macadamization projects. They have delivered modern buildings, state-of-the-art hospitals, and advanced equipment, all while navigating the unique challenges posed by the region’s harsh topography, difficult climate, and a nascent industrial ecosystem.
Moreover, during the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, J&K engineers made invaluable contributions that had a profound impact on public health. The Chief Engineer of the Mechanical and Hospital Divisions received a national award for his outstanding efforts in COVID-19 mitigation, particularly in the rapid procurement and operationalization of oxygen plants. Remarkably, as a result of these efforts, the region reported no deaths due to oxygen shortages during the pandemic. Engineers risked their lives, working tirelessly day and night to ensure that critical healthcare facilities continued to function smoothly during this unprecedented crisis.
Currently, the Mechanical and Hospital Engineering Department, which was formerly known as the Mechanical Engineering Department, is tasked with the critical responsibility of designing, installing, and maintaining hospital infrastructure across the entire Union Territory. This encompasses a wide array of essential services, including managing central heating systems, oxygen plants, operation theaters, modern hospital lifts, and more.
Engineering Successes in J&K
Over the past few years, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed significant advancements across various development indices, with engineers playing a pivotal role in this progress. From ensuring last-mile road connectivity to electrifying remote villages—such as those in the Machil sector—engineers have consistently been at the forefront of J&K’s development. The region’s engineers have also excelled in critical sectors, including rural development, hospital engineering, and public health engineering.
One of the flagship initiatives launched by the Government of India in 2019, known as the ‘Jal Jeevan Mission,’ has seen J&K’s engineers come up with innovative and effective solutions to provide drinking water to the remotest areas of the region. Their tireless efforts have enabled the region to achieve policy-driven progress that places it on par with the rest of the country.
Engineers in Winter
The contributions of J&K’s engineers during the harsh winter months cannot go unnoticed. Even when temperatures plummet to sub-zero levels, these dedicated professionals ensure that essential services—such as water supply, electricity, and road connectivity—are maintained for the benefit of the public. After heavy snowfalls, it is the engineers who work tirelessly through the night, utilizing modern snow plows and imported snow machines to clear roads and ensure that life continues smoothly for the general populace. Their expertise in managing snow clearance operations is crucial to keeping the region functional despite the challenging climate conditions.
While Jammu and Kashmir has made tremendous progress in infrastructure development, much work remains to be done, particularly with the rise of advanced technologies such as Generative Artificial Intelligence. The pool of talented engineers that the region boasts is an incredible asset, and it is imperative that we harness this potential to the fullest. However, there remains ample room for improvement. Engineers must continue to upgrade their skills, foster a spirit of innovation, collaborate effectively with other departments, and maintain a high standard of professionalism and discipline in their work.
To sustain and enhance this progress, it is essential for the government, engineers, and the general public to work together in a spirit of mutual trust and dedication. By doing so, we can continue to build marvelous infrastructure and provide essential services that will contribute to the ongoing development of the region.
The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of this Magazine. The author works as an Engineer in J&K PWD Department and can be reached at [email protected]
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