LG Manoj Sinha Calls for Nature-Based Climate Strategy to Safeguard the Himalayas at IUST Conference
SRINAGAR, August 3: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha on Monday underscored the urgent need to place nature-based solutions at the core of development planning to strengthen climate resilience across the Himalayan region while addressing a conference at the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST).
The conference, titled "Strengthening Climate Resilience and Livelihoods in the Himalayan Region through Nature-based Solutions," was organised at the university's campus, where the Lieutenant Governor also inaugurated the Civil and Mechanical Engineering Block, IUST's Larmoo Campus, and the Law School.
Commending the university for its academic initiatives, the Lieutenant Governor also lauded IUST's policy brief on the Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir campaign and released a special edition of the university's monthly magazine Times Echo dedicated to the 100-day anti-drug campaign, along with a policy brief prepared by experts from Jammu and Kashmir.
Highlighting the growing impact of climate change in the Himalayas, Sinha said the region witnessed natural disasters at an alarming frequency last year, with nearly one disaster occurring every day between January and August. He noted that flash floods and cloudbursts in Jammu and Kashmir have caused extensive damage to roads, water supply infrastructure, and power networks.
Stressing that development and environmental conservation are complementary rather than conflicting, the Lieutenant Governor described natural ecosystems as vital infrastructure. He cited watersheds, wetlands and forests as critical natural assets that help mitigate floods, conserve water, support irrigation and protect mountain communities from disasters.
Calling for a shift in development priorities, Sinha urged policymakers, scientists and engineers to integrate nature-based solutions into every stage of planning, budgeting and monitoring. He advocated the use of advanced technologies such as remote sensing, geospatial mapping and artificial intelligence to monitor glaciers, forests, water resources and soil health, ensuring that scientific data guides future development.
The Lieutenant Governor also emphasised greater participation of farmers, shepherds, orchard owners and tribal communities, stating that their traditional knowledge of Himalayan ecosystems is essential for sustainable environmental management. He further recommended restoring wetlands and floodplains alongside conventional infrastructure and institutionalising long-term collaboration among researchers, policymakers and local communities.
Encouraging academic institutions to play a leading role, Sinha called on universities to develop multidisciplinary programmes on nature-based solutions encompassing ecology, engineering, hydrology, economics, disaster management and indigenous knowledge systems.
Referring to the Green Jammu Kashmir Drive launched in 2020, he said the initiative had helped increase the Union Territory's forest cover to nearly 55 per cent and reiterated the importance of sustainable development to safeguard the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
"The Himalayas are not merely a geographical entity but a living heritage that demands foresight, responsibility and collective action," the Lieutenant Governor said, adding that integrating modern technology with traditional wisdom would strengthen the region's resilience against climate change.
On the occasion, certificates were also distributed among trainees under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY).
The event was attended by Acting Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh Justice Sanjeev Kumar, IUST Vice Chancellor Prof. Shakil A. Romshoo, Registrar Prof. Shamim Ahmad Shah, Conference Convener Prof. Javed Hussain Mir, along with eminent scientists, policymakers, faculty members, students and senior government officials. ANB
