LG Manoj Sinha Advocates Nature-Based Solutions to Combat Climate Change in Jammu and Kashmir

Srinagar, August 3: The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, emphasized the need for nature-based solutions to enhance climate resilience in the Himalayas. Speaking at a conference hosted by the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), he highlighted the importance of these solutions in strengthening livelihoods and climate resilience in the region.

During the event, Sinha inaugurated several facilities, including the Civil and Mechanical Engineering Block, the Larum Campus, and the Law School at IUST. He commended the university for its initiatives and praised its policy brief on the “Drug-Free Jammu and Kashmir” campaign.

Sinha pointed out the alarming rate of climate change impacts in the Himalayan region, noting that from January to August last year, the area experienced various natural disasters almost daily. In Jammu and Kashmir alone, sudden floods and landslides caused significant damage to public infrastructure, disrupting roads, water supply systems, and power feeders.

He asserted that there is no contradiction between development and conservation. Nature itself serves as a fundamental infrastructure. Watersheds act as flood-control systems, wetlands function as reservoirs, and dense forests prevent landslides.

“When we destroy these natural systems, we are jeopardizing our future. However, by preserving and restoring them, we invest in a brighter future,” he stated.

Sinha urged scientists and subject matter experts to prioritize nature-based solutions in development planning. He also encouraged universities to develop these solutions as a multidisciplinary subject, incorporating ecology, hydrology, engineering, economics, disaster management, and traditional knowledge.

Reflecting on the “Green Jammu and Kashmir Drive” initiated in 2020, which increased forest cover by nearly 55%, he reiterated the importance of sustainable lifestyles.

He envisioned a Himalayan region where watersheds are healthy, wetlands thrive, and rivers flow naturally, preserving biodiversity and culture.

“By placing nature at the center of development, integrating modern technology with traditional knowledge, and involving communities as equal partners, the Himalayan region can build resilience against climate change. We must remember that the Himalayas are not just a geographical entity but a living heritage that requires foresight, patience, and responsibility,” he concluded.