Srinagar, October 13: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr Jitendra Singh, on Tuesday stressed that protecting the Himalayas and their fragile ecosystem is a national responsibility, calling for collective efforts from the government, scientific community and citizens.
Addressing a special session at the Shalimar Convention Centre of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), the Minister highlighted the importance of preserving the Himalayan region for ecological security, water resources, livelihoods and sustainable economic development.
The session was part of the 13th All India Sustainable Mountain Development Summit, being held from October 12 to 14 under the theme “Contouring Sustainable Himalayan Landscapes for Inclusive Viksit Bharat”. The summit is jointly organised by SKUAST-K and the Integrated Mountain Initiative (IMI), with discussions focusing on sustainable mountain development and the draft Jammu and Kashmir Sustainable Mountain Development Policy 2026.
Among those present were Secretary, Science and Technology, Babila Rakwal; SKUAST-K Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nazir A. Ganai; and representatives from academia and the mountain development community.
Dr Jitendra Singh said the Himalayas play a critical role in maintaining the country's ecological balance by supporting glaciers, springs, rivers and other water bodies. The region also sustains agriculture, tourism and livelihoods, making its conservation essential for environmental protection and inclusive growth.
He emphasised the need to strike a balance between development, employment generation and the preservation of the fragile mountain ecosystem. Unauthorised construction, unregulated activities and other human interventions, he cautioned, could increase risks in environmentally sensitive areas.
The Minister said ecological safeguards must be integrated into development planning, supported by greater public awareness and responsible behaviour among local communities and other stakeholders.
Highlighting the Centre's scientific initiatives, he referred to the Department of Science and Technology's work under the National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem, which forms part of the National Action Plan on Climate Change.
He said three centres at the University of Kashmir, Sikkim University and Tezpur University had been identified to strengthen research on climate change and the Himalayan ecosystem. Research activities and institutional capacity-building are also being supported across the Indian Himalayan Region.
The Minister highlighted glacier monitoring and field-based research conducted by the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology in Ladakh and the Doda region since 2015. These efforts include the installation of automatic weather stations and seismometers, alongside studies on landslides and historical earthquakes.
He also referred to capacity-building initiatives in glaciology in Kashmir, aimed at strengthening scientific expertise and improving understanding of environmental changes in the region.
Discussing weather forecasting and disaster preparedness, Dr Jitendra Singh said India's weather radar network had expanded from 16 radars in 2014 to 50, with another 50 planned under Mission Mausam. He said improved observation infrastructure was important for monitoring weather conditions and preparing for extreme events, particularly in vulnerable mountain areas.
The Minister also mentioned a pilot study initiated by the Wadia Institute in 10 villages in Jammu and Kashmir. The findings could help develop locally suitable interventions and guide the expansion of successful measures to other areas. He called for these findings to be considered while examining the draft Sustainable Mountain Development Policy.
Highlighting the role of science-driven livelihoods, Dr Jitendra Singh cited the Aroma Mission and the Purple Revolution as examples of initiatives creating economic opportunities in Jammu and Kashmir.
He said lavender cultivation in areas such as Gulmarg and Padder had opened new avenues for farmers and rural entrepreneurs, demonstrating how region-specific crops could support local economies.
However, he stressed that sustainable growth required stronger market connections between growers and the aroma and fragrance industries, along with access to technology, finance and entrepreneurship support. Women’s self-help groups and young entrepreneurs, he said, could play an important role in expanding these opportunities.
Concluding his address, the Minister reiterated that government programmes and scientific interventions must be complemented by responsible action on the ground. He said protecting the Himalayas was vital not only for mountain communities and their livelihoods but also for the country's long-term ecological security.
