Srinagar, October 14: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr Jitendra Singh, has called for collective efforts to protect the Himalayan ecosystem, stressing that sustainable development must balance economic opportunities with the conservation of fragile mountain environments.
Addressing a special session of the 13th All India Sustainable Mountain Development Summit in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, Singh said safeguarding the Himalayas was not merely the responsibility of the government and scientific institutions but a national responsibility requiring public participation.
The three-day summit, held from October 12 to 14 at the Shalimar Convention Centre of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), is jointly organised by SKUAST-K and the Integrated Mountain Initiative.
The event is being held under the theme “Contouring Sustainable Himalayan Landscapes for Inclusive Viksit Bharat”, with discussions also focusing on the draft Jammu and Kashmir Sustainable Mountain Development Policy 2026.
Himalayan Ecosystem Vital for Water Security and Livelihoods
Singh highlighted the importance of the Himalayas in sustaining glaciers, springs, rivers and other water resources, while supporting agriculture, tourism and livelihoods across mountain communities.
He cautioned that unauthorised construction, unregulated activities and human-induced environmental damage could increase risks in ecologically sensitive areas. He stressed that environmental safeguards must remain central to development planning, alongside greater public awareness and responsible practices.
The minister said protecting the mountain ecosystem was essential not only for local communities but also for the country’s wider ecological security and long-term development.
Scientific Research to Strengthen Climate Preparedness
Highlighting the role of scientific institutions, Singh referred to initiatives under the National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem, part of India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change.
The Department of Science and Technology has identified centres at the University of Kashmir, Sikkim University and Tezpur University to strengthen research on climate change and the Himalayan environment.
He also highlighted glacier monitoring and field studies conducted by the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology in Ladakh and the Doda region since 2015. These efforts use automatic weather stations and seismometers and include research on landslides and historical earthquake activity.
The minister further emphasised the importance of glaciology training in Kashmir to improve scientific understanding of environmental changes and support evidence-based policymaking.
Weather Radar Network to Improve Disaster Preparedness
Singh said India’s weather radar network had expanded from 16 radars in 2014 to 50, with another 50 planned under Mission Mausam.
The expansion is intended to improve weather monitoring and strengthen preparedness in regions vulnerable to extreme weather and natural hazards.
He also referred to a pilot study conducted by the Wadia Institute in 10 villages across Jammu and Kashmir, noting that its findings could help develop locally suitable interventions and guide their wider application.
Singh called for the proposed Jammu and Kashmir Sustainable Mountain Development Policy 2026 to take such scientific findings and local requirements into account.
Aroma Mission and Purple Revolution Support Rural Livelihoods
The minister highlighted the Aroma Mission and Purple Revolution as examples of science-led initiatives creating livelihood opportunities in Jammu and Kashmir.
Lavender cultivation in areas such as Gulmarg and Padder has opened avenues for farmers and rural entrepreneurs, while helping promote the region’s agricultural potential nationally.
Singh emphasised that the benefits of such initiatives depend on establishing stronger market connections with the aroma and fragrance industries, alongside access to technology, finance and entrepreneurship support.
He identified women-led self-help groups and young entrepreneurs as important participants in expanding these opportunities and strengthening local economies.
The initiatives have also received national attention through references in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mann Ki Baat programme and a Republic Day tableau.
Call for Community Participation in Sustainable Development
Singh reiterated that scientific research and government programmes must be complemented by responsible action at the community level.
He stressed that sustainable development in mountain regions requires coordinated efforts involving policymakers, researchers, local communities and entrepreneurs to protect natural resources while improving livelihoods.
Science and Technology Secretary Babila Rakwal, SKUAST-K Vice-Chancellor Nazir A. Ganai, academics and representatives of the mountain development community attended the session.
The summit is expected to contribute to discussions on sustainable mountain policies and approaches that combine environmental conservation, scientific innovation and inclusive economic development across the Himalayan region.