SRINAGAR: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on Tuesday inaugurated the Himalayan High Altitude Atmospheric and Climate Research Centre at Village Mandlote, Chenani, in Udhampur district. He also flagged off the Indo-Swiss Joint Research Project titled ICE-Crunch, a collaborative initiative with ETH Zurich focusing on ice-nucleating particles and cloud condensation nuclei in the north-western Himalayas.
A DIPR statement reads that the centre aims to support advanced research on climate variability, with emphasis on rainfall and cloudburst prediction, particularly significant for the Himalayan region. The Union Minister stated that this facility will help in improving scientific understanding of climatic events affecting the region.
The event was attended by Minister Satish Sharma, DDC Chairperson Udhampur Lal Chand, MLA Chenani Balwant Singh Mankotia, Secretary Ministry of Earth Sciences Dr M. Ravichandran, Vice Chancellor Central University Jammu Prof Sanjeev Jain, DC Udhampur Saloni Rai, DC Ramban Baseer-Ul-Haq Chaudhary, and other senior officials, PRI members and locals.
In his address, Dr Singh said that the establishment of the centre reflects India’s growing leadership in climate science and environmental research. He credited national reforms post-2014 for advancements in weather forecasting and scientific infrastructure. He emphasised that the region’s development, including the research centre, contributes to the broader vision of a developed India (Viksit Bharat) by 2047.
Dr Singh also highlighted key developmental milestones in Udhampur such as consistent top rankings in PMGSY road construction, the Devika Rejuvenation Project, extension of the Purple Revolution, GI tagging of Udhampur Kalari, and improved rail connectivity with the Vande Bharat Express stoppage.
Minister Satish Sharma welcomed the project as a step forward in regional scientific development and disaster mitigation. He acknowledged the role of the Central University in facilitating the Indo-Swiss partnership.
MLA Balwant Singh Mankotia expressed gratitude for the sanctioned projects and raised various local concerns for government attention.
The administration reiterated its commitment to enhancing service delivery and disaster preparedness through scientific research and infrastructure development.
