“Integration of GIS and Disaster Risk Reduction for a Resilient and Sustainable Community”.

Integral University in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, marked the commencement of a significant training-cum-workshop on “Integration of GIS and Disaster Risk Reduction for a Resilient and Sustainable Community”. This training is jointly organized by the Department of Environmental Science, Integral University, Lucknow & State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) Uttar Pradesh on 29th November 2023. This is the international training-cum-workshop for seven days starting from 29th November to 05th December 2023 (Hybrid Mode). The inaugural session was graced by prominent personalities, fostering an insightful and enriching beginning.
The gathering was privileged to receive enlightening addresses from esteemed guests. The audience was honored by the presence of Lt. Gen. Ravindra Pratap Sahi, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), Vice Chairman of the Uttar Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (UPSDMA). Lt. Gen. Sahi's inaugural address underscored the significance of integrating environmental consciousness into disaster management strategies for a more resilient and sustainable future. 
The event gained momentum with the inaugural address by the Guest of Honour, Major General. Major General Rajan Kochhar, Vishisht Seva Medal Vishisht Seva Medal, Vice Chairman, National Council of News and Broadcasting and International Strategic Affairs and Defence Expert, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India.
The inaugural was addressed by Brigadier P K Singh, a Senior Consultant at the Uttar Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (UPSDMA), who brought forth his extensive experience in disaster management, underscoring the need for a proactive approach towards environmental crises. 
Mr. Shoeb Iqbal, Additional SP, Deputy Commandant, State Disaster Response Force, Lucknow, U.P. has highlighted the work that SDRF is doing on the ground. 31 Jawans from SDRF came and displayed the types of equipment that are used during rescue and gave a demonstration of the same. The SDRF representative Mr Shoiab Iqbal, additional SP and Deputy Commandant SDRF has announced the MoU with Integral University to be signed on December 5th 2023.
Prof. (Dr.) Anil Gupta, Head of Division, International Cooperation, Director of Projects, Govt of India Ministry of Home Affairs, National Institute of Disaster Management, New Delhi, has sent a video of appreciation for Integral University for organizing such programmes at this crucial time of increasing disasters.

The event was graced by the higher officials from the Integral University. Prof. Aquil Ahmed, Advisor to the chancellor, Prof. Haris Siddique, Registrar, Integral University, Prof. Shahid Ali Khan, OSD to Vice-chancellor, Prof. Abdul Rahman Khan, the Dean of the Faculty of Science, Prof. M.A. Khalid, Dean of Student Welfare, Prof. Syed Aqeel Ahmed, Director HRDC Heads and faculty members of various departments, research scholars, and students.
The session set the stage for an enlightening discourse on environmental science and highlighted the collaborative efforts essential for addressing environmental concerns effectively. The participants expressed their gratitude for such an enriching commencement, looking forward to the sessions that promise to delve deeper into environmental science and disaster management strategies.
Integral University's initiative to bring together such distinguished experts reflects its commitment to fostering knowledge-sharing platforms that address crucial societal issues, paving the way for a greener and safer tomorrow.

Dr. Ambrina Sardar Khan, the current Head of Environmental Science at Integral University, kickstarted the event by introducing the overarching theme and objectives of the workshop. Her expertise and dedication to environmental conservation set an encouraging tone for the sessions that followed. The appreciation goes to the entire organizing team of environmental Science for coming up with such important training-cum-workshop.