SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 14, 2026 : Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has stressed the urgent need to protect the Himalayan ecosystem, warning that any disturbance to its ecological balance could have far-reaching consequences for the environment, biodiversity and climate.
In his message to the valedictory session of the 13th Sustainable Mountain Development Summit, held at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) in Srinagar on Wednesday, Sinha highlighted the Himalayas’ vital role in sustaining rivers, protecting biodiversity and regulating the climate.
“Any disturbance to the Himalayan ecological balance would have far-reaching consequences,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Science-Based Approach to Mountain Development
Sinha emphasised that protecting the Himalayan region requires a science-based and people-centric approach to sustainable mountain development.
He underlined the importance of preserving ecological stability while ensuring that development initiatives take into account the region’s environmental sensitivity and the needs of mountain communities.
The Himalayas are essential to the ecological security of the region, supporting water resources, diverse wildlife and ecosystems that influence climate patterns. Their conservation is therefore crucial for present and future generations.
Balancing Development and Environmental Protection
The Lieutenant Governor’s message highlighted the need to make environmental conservation a central priority in mountain development planning.
Sustainable practices, scientific assessment and community participation can help protect fragile mountain ecosystems while supporting the long-term well-being of people living in these areas.
The 13th Sustainable Mountain Development Summit provided a platform to highlight the importance of Himalayan conservation and promote approaches that balance development with environmental responsibility.
