Rs 1.5 Cr allocated for strengthening Aerosol Research Centre in Jammu: LG Sinha

Samba, Feb 26: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated the 2nd Aerosol Winter School – ‘Manthan 2024’ at the Central University of Jammu, marking a significant step towards addressing air quality challenges. This initiative, a joint effort of Central University of Jammu, Sindhu Central University Ladakh, and Indian National Young Academy of Science, aims to provide hands-on training on instrumentation, analytical techniques, and remote sensing tools for air quality studies, aligning with the objectives of the National Clean Air Programme.
In his address, Lt Governor Sinha commended the collaborative spirit and cross-sectoral coordination demonstrated by the participating institutions in tackling air pollution, emphasizing its critical importance as a pressing health concern. “Air sustains life. Now the time has come for us to sustain the availability of clean air,” remarked the Lt Governor, highlighting the urgent need to learn from past mistakes and strive for a cleaner, greener planet.
Reiterating the commitment of the UT Administration, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to combat air pollution, Lt Governor Sinha stressed the importance of effective monitoring networks, inclusive public participation, and capacity-building measures to achieve sustainable solutions.
“Societies and nations have prospered because of balanced and sustainable development. Today, it is time to protect and preserve nature,” he added.
Furthermore, the Lt Governor announced an allocation of Rs 1.5 crore by the Forest, Ecology, and Environment Department for strengthening the Himalayan Aerosol Research Instrumentation Centre at the Central University of Jammu. Additionally, he assured the Indian Institute of Geomagnetism of necessary support for the expansion of research-related activities in Jammu and Kashmir.
During the event, a Service Level Agreement was signed between District Skill Committee Samba and the School of Business Studies, Central University of Jammu, under the SANKALP Scheme, aiming to enhance capacity building and skill development courses in Samba District.
The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of notable dignitaries including Prof. Sanjeev Jain, Vice Chancellor of Central University of Jammu; Dheeraj Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary Forests; Prof. AP Dimri, Director of the Indian Institute of Geomagnetism; Prof. Sachin S. Gunthe from IIT Madras; Abhishek Sharma, Deputy Commissioner of Samba, along with experts, Heads of Departments, faculty members, and students.