Jammu, 26th November 2025: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha today inaugurated the 3rd Aerosol Winter School on “Atmospheric Aerosol, Cloud & Climate Science” at Central University of Jammu (CUJ), underscoring the significance of scientific innovation in tackling climate challenges and improving weather forecasting techniques.
In his keynote address, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted that one of the biggest challenges for the scientific community is the accurate prediction of cloudbursts. He emphasized the importance of precise, long-term forecasts and the urgent need for new machine learning models to refine real-time data integration. This would allow authorities to issue timely and clear alerts to the public, thus mitigating the devastating impact of such extreme weather events.
“The need to collaborate and innovate is paramount,” LG Sinha said. “We must work together to advance machine learning and integrate it with real-time data to give accurate forecasts and timely warnings to protect lives and property.”
Collaboration for a Cleaner, Greener Future
In his speech, the Lieutenant Governor also called on scientists and Artificial Intelligence (AI) experts to unite in addressing the region’s most pressing environmental issues. He urged all stakeholders to join hands in advancing efforts toward a cleaner, greener, and healthier tomorrow.
“Let us dedicate ourselves to tackling the challenges posed by climate change, advancing clean energy solutions, and strengthening environmental resilience,” LG Sinha stated, emphasizing the critical role of collaboration in achieving sustainable development.
Government’s Commitment to Scientific Innovation
LG Sinha reaffirmed the government’s commitment to scientific collaboration and quality research, particularly in areas such as solar energy, water security, rural connectivity, and pollution abatement. He assured that the government, under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, remains fully invested in transformative projects that will secure a prosperous future for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
“We are committed to ensuring that Jammu and Kashmir continues to be at the forefront of scientific innovation, environmental sustainability, and clean energy,” the Lieutenant Governor added.
Launch of “Atmos Kids – The Gen Alpha Change-makers” Initiative
During the event, the Lieutenant Governor also launched the “Atmos Kids – The Gen Alpha Change-makers” initiative, a collaboration between the Himalayan High Altitude Atmospheric and Climate Research Centre, Central University of Jammu, and the Indian National Young Academy of Science (INYAS). The initiative aims to educate and empower school students to become active changemakers and ambassadors for environmental science.
The program will focus on fostering awareness about the importance of the atmosphere, the role of aerosol particles in air quality, climate, and ecosystem health. These future leaders will be trained to engage and educate their communities about environmental issues, particularly those related to atmospheric science and climate change.
Collaborative Efforts for Advancing Atmospheric Research
The 3rd Aerosol Winter School was organised by the Himalayan High Altitude Atmospheric and Climate Research (H2A2CR) Centre, in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Sciences, Indian National Young Academy of Science (INYAS), Indian National Science Academy (INSA), and ETH Zürich, Switzerland. The program brought together experts from across the world to discuss cutting-edge research on aerosols, cloud physics, and climate science.
Among the dignitaries present were Prof. (Dr.) Sanjeev Jain, Vice-Chancellor of Central University of Jammu (CUJ); Shri Vasu Yadav, Chairman of the J&K Pollution Control Committee; Dr. Zamin Kanji, Group Leader at ETH Zürich, Switzerland; as well as heads of departments, faculty members, and students from various institutions.
