Yogesh
Jammu, Nov 26: Stating that climate resilience can only be achieved through collective action, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday urged the people to understand their responsibilities towards nature and the environment.
Addressing a function at Central University Jammu, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said, “J&K had to face the wrath of natural calamities for more than a month this year. Incessant rainfall and cloudbursts led to loss of precious human lives and massive damage to the infrastructure.”
Highlighting the growing vulnerability of the Himalayan region to extreme weather events, LG Sinha said,
“Scientists and engineers must work towards developing advanced technology to forecast cloudbursts — one of the most devastating and unpredictable natural disasters affecting the Union Territory.”
“Red zone cloudburst alerts are already being issued, and these are helping authorities shift people from vulnerable areas. But predicting cloudbursts and intense rains in J&K remains a major challenge,” the LG said. “Nothing is impossible in this world. An engineering mindset helps resolve problems,” he added.
Sinha called for the creation of a scientific model that can support an effective early warning system tailored to the complex terrain of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. “Such a system,” he said, “Would be crucial in saving precious lives and protecting vital infrastructure across hilly and remote regions.”
He urged scientists to accelerate efforts to develop tools capable of predicting weather patterns with greater accuracy. “An early warning system for cloudbursts and extreme rainfall can significantly reduce losses and improve disaster preparedness,” he said.
Expressing concern over the rising threat of air pollution, the LG cited global statistics showing that more than 8 million people die every year due to air pollution. He warned that air quality in cities like Delhi is becoming “toxic with each passing day,” and called for urgent measures to tackle pollution at both local and global levels.
Sinha emphasized that challenges arising from climate change are not limited to individual countries. “Climate change is not a domestic issue alone. It demands global cooperation,” he said, calling upon nations and communities to work collectively to build a resilient world.
Reiterating his vision for national progress, the Lieutenant Governor said, “Viksit Bharat is the responsibility of all.”
He urged citizens, institutions, and policymakers to join hands to prevent further vandalization of the environment and contribute to a sustainable future.
The Lieutenant Governor called for unity and environmental stewardship. “Only collective action can safeguard the region from future climate-driven disasters,” he added. (KNO)
