Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday called for an effective monitoring network with public participation and capacity-building measures to find sustainable solutions to the problem of air pollution.
Inaugurating the Second Aerosol Winter School – ‘Manthan 2024’ at Central University of Jammu in Samba district, Sinha commended the joint endeavour of Central University of Jammu, Sindhu Central University Ladakh and Indian National Young Academy of Science to impart hands-on training on required instrumentation and analytical techniques as well as remote sensing tools for air quality studies to meet the objectives of the National Clean Air Programme.
He emphasised on collaborative and cross-sectoral coordination to tackle air pollution, which has turned into a serious health concern for the people.
“Air sustains life. Now the time has come for us to sustain the availability of clean air. Mother Nature is reminding us to learn proper lessons from the wrong steps of the past and work towards a cleaner and greener planet,” the Lt Governor said.
The Lt Governor reiterated the resolve of the UT Administration, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to address the challenges of Air pollution.
He called for an effective monitoring network with inclusive public participation and capacity-building measures to ensure sustainable solutions.
“The societies and nations have prospered because of balanced and sustainable development. Many important achievements of the industries, science and technology have also derived their strength from nature. Today, it is time to protect and preserve nature,” he said.
The Lt Governor directed the Jammu Kashmir Pollution Control Committee and other key stakeholders to assess and review the progress registered under the National Clean Air Programme.
The Lt Governor announced Rs 1.5 crore to be allocated by the Forest, Ecology and Environment Department for strengthening the Himalayan Aerosol Research Instrumentation Centre of Central University of Jammu.
He also assured the Indian Institute of Geomagnetism of necessary support by the UT Administration for expansion of research-related activities in J&K. On the occasion, a service level agreement was inked between District Skill Committee Samba and School of Business Studies, Central University of Jammu for capacity building and skill courses in Samba District under SANKALP Scheme.
Prof. Sanjeev Jain, Vice Chancellor Central University of Jammu; Dheeraj Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary Forests, Prof AP Dimri, Director Indian Institute of Geomagnetism; Prof Sachin S Gunthe, IIT Madras; Abhishek Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Samba, experts, HoDs, faculty members and students were present.
