Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha advocates nature based solutions for Himalayan climate resilience at Islamic University of Science and Technology conference
Srinagar, August 03, 2026: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha attended a national conference on strengthening climate resilience and livelihoods in the Himalayan region through nature-based solutions at the Islamic University of Science and Technology today.
During his visit, Manoj Sinha inaugurated the Civil and Mechanical Engineering Block at the main campus, the university’s Larmoo Campus, and the Law School, while praising the institution for its policy brief supporting the Drug-Free Jammu and Kashmir campaign. Highlighting the severe impact of climate change across the Himalayas, he noted that extreme weather events, flash floods, and cloudbursts have repeatedly damaged critical infrastructure, including roads, water supply schemes, and power grids across Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing scientists and policymakers, Manoj Sinha emphasized that conservation and development must go hand in hand, describing natural ecosystems like watersheds, wetlands, and dense mountain forests as essential infrastructure. He outlined six key recommendations, urging experts to integrate modern tools such as remote sensing, geospatial mapping, and artificial intelligence to monitor glacier retreat, soil health, and forest cover to inform future projects.
He further called for embedding nature-based solutions directly into project budgets, engaging local communities as equal stakeholders, including ecosystem health in annual budget reviews, and restoring natural floodplains over relying solely on concrete embankments.
The event was attended by Acting Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh Sanjeev Kumar, Vice Chancellor Shakil A. Romshoo, Registrar Shamim Ahmad Shah, and Conference Convener Javed Hussain Mir alongside prominent scientists, domain experts, and faculty members.
On the occasion, Manoj Sinha also released a special edition of the university’s monthly magazine focused on the 100-Day Anti-Drug campaign and handed over training certificates to Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana beneficiaries, urging academic institutions to develop multidisciplinary curricula combining ecology, engineering, and traditional knowledge to safeguard the fragile Himalayan region.