Ar. Vinod Kumar, Assistant Professor at the School of Architecture and Landscape Design (SoALD), Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), has brought laurels to the university by securing a prestigious research grant from the Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) Division, Ministry of Education, Government of India. The project has been sanctioned under the IKS Institutional Internship Program – 2025, a national initiative aimed at promoting indigenous knowledge and research-led innovation. The grant was awarded through a highly competitive national process, in which less than 2.5 percent of proposals were approved after rigorous expert evaluation. The sanctioned project, titled “Vanishing Architecture and Spatial Planning Wisdom for Traditional Sustainable Water Management in Trikuta Hills, Jammu and Kashmir: A Study of its Contemporary Relevance,” focuses on rediscovering traditional water management systems and their architectural wisdom. The research highlights baolis—traditional stepwells and natural springs that once served as vital community resources for drinking, irrigation, washing, and social gatherings. Many of these age-old structures across the Trikuta Hills are now in a state of neglect or disrepair.
Speaking about the initiative, Ar. Vinod Kumar said, “The baolis and related systems reflect a deep understanding of water, climate, and community. They were not only sources of sustenance but also of spiritual and social connection. Through this study, we hope to revive this wisdom and adapt it for sustainable water management in today’s context.”
The project will adopt an interdisciplinary approach, combining architectural documentation, field surveys, and community-based research to assess the relevance of traditional practices in addressing modern water scarcity and environmental challenges. It will also document river-diverted Gharat mills, traditional devices that utilized flowing water to generate mechanical energy — a testament to the region’s historic ingenuity. Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the project supports the IKS mission of integrating traditional wisdom with modern scientific inquiry. The outcomes will include detailed documentation, educational modules, and community toolkits, providing valuable resources for researchers, policymakers, and local communities. These efforts aim to inspire policy-level interventions and raise awareness about the cultural and ecological significance of India’s indigenous water systems.
A major highlight of the project is the student internship program, under which up to 12 undergraduate and postgraduate students from SMVDU will be selected as research interns. Each intern will receive a monthly fellowship of ₹10,000 for the project’s duration, which runs until February 2026. Upon completion, they will receive certificates from the IKS Division, Ministry of Education, recognizing their contribution to heritage-based research.
Congratulating the faculty member, Prof. (Dr.) Pragati Kumar, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of SMVDU, said, “This recognition reinforces SMVDU’s growing reputation as a center of academic excellence and innovation. The project reflects our commitment to bridging traditional wisdom with modern research to promote sustainability.”
Dr. A.K. Das (Dean, Research & Development), Ar. Abhiney Gupta (Head, SoALD), Ar. Navin Gupta (Associate Head, SoALD), and faculty members of the school also extended their heartfelt felicitations to the principal investigator, appreciating his dedication to the cause of architectural heritage conservation and sustainable development.
