SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 ; Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday attended the valedictory session of the three-day national seminar on “Environment, Climate and Sustainability: Science, Policy and Pathways” at the University of Kashmir (KU), calling for stronger integration between scientific research, policymaking and grassroots governance to address emerging environmental challenges.
The national-level seminar brought together ecologists, hydrologists, soil experts, policymakers and researchers from across the country to discuss climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution and pathways towards sustainable development.
Climate Crisis Requires Holistic Approach
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor said climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution should not be viewed as isolated issues but as interconnected dimensions of what he described as the triple planetary crisis.
He said Earth’s systems are finite and interconnected, requiring governance approaches that move beyond departmental boundaries.
“Although government machinery has separate departments. One department formulates water policy, another forest policy, and yet another climate policy. But, I strongly believe such national seminars remind us that there is a deep connection among all these,” Sinha said.
He stressed that recognising these interconnections is an important step towards developing coordinated solutions.
Technology Key to Anticipatory Governance
Sinha highlighted the growing importance of Geospatial Intelligence, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), in connecting scientific knowledge with governance and decision-making.
He called for a shift from reactive responses to anticipatory governance, supported by tools such as Climate Sensitivity Maps and Spatial Decision Support Systems.
The Lieutenant Governor said scientific systems should not merely document changes that have already occurred in glaciers, forests or river valleys but should increasingly help authorities anticipate future developments.
He urged scientists and environmental experts to contribute to the creation of effective early-warning systems and real-time decision-making mechanisms.
Call to Bridge Science and Policy
The Lieutenant Governor said India does not lack climate-related data, scientific models or technological tools. The larger challenge, he said, is creating institutional mechanisms capable of translating scientific findings into timely policy and development decisions.
He pointed to the need for stronger integration of scientific evidence into district development plans, water management and disaster-management systems.
“If we can bridge the distance between what science knows and what policy delivers in line with that knowledge, then even the biggest challenges related to climate change can be addressed,” Sinha said.
He also highlighted the potential of Artificial Intelligence to strengthen climate research, modelling and decision-making.
Development Must Go Hand in Hand With Conservation
Sinha said development must be accompanied by responsibility towards the environment, stressing the importance of balancing progress with conservation.
He urged young researchers and scientists to develop expertise that crosses traditional disciplinary boundaries and encouraged policymakers to engage more closely with scientific institutions.
“Development must mean establishing a relationship with the Earth in which use is accompanied by responsibility, progress by conservation, and rights by duties,” he said.
Focus on Climate-Resilient India by 2047
Looking towards the vision of a Developed India by 2047, Sinha said development must be both climate-resilient and inclusive.
He expressed hope that the discussions initiated during the seminar would continue beyond the conference and influence research laboratories, universities, district-level planning and public policy.
He reaffirmed the importance of sustainable development through science-policy integration, technological innovation and cultural sensitivity.
Experts and Academics Attend Session
Prof. Nilofer Khan, Vice Chancellor of the University of Kashmir; Prof. Talat Ahmad, former Vice Chancellor of the university; Dr. Rasik Ravindra, former Director of the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR); and Prof. Shariefuddin Pirzada, Dean Academic Affairs, University of Kashmir, attended the valedictory session.
Experts, policymakers, researchers, senior government officials, faculty members and students from across the country also participated in the programme.
The seminar concluded with an emphasis on strengthening collaboration between scientific institutions and policymakers to develop practical and sustainable responses to the environmental and climate challenges facing the country.
