Research Projects Launched for Himalayan Ecosystem

To strengthen climate science in one of the world's most sensitive ecological zones, the Ministry of Earth Sciences has launched a series of research projects and inaugurated India's first High-Altitude Climate Research Station in the Himalayan region.

Launch of ICE-CRUNCH Initiative

1. The flagship project, ICE-CRUNCH (Ice Nucleating Particles and Cloud Condensation Nuclei Properties in the North-Western Himalayas), is a joint research effort between Indian scientists and researchers from the University of Zurich, supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF).
2. This study aims to investigate aerosol-cloud interactions, specifically focusing on ice-nucleating particles and cloud condensation nuclei—key to understanding regional precipitation patterns and climate behaviour.

Himalayan High-Altitude Climate Research Centre

Location: Nathatop, Udhampur district, Jammu and Kashmir

This newly established climate research station is strategically located in Nathatop for its clean air, minimal pollution, and ideal altitude, making it suitable for studying atmospheric processes in free tropospheric conditions—a rarity in much of India.

Objectives of the Research Centre:

1. Advance high-altitude climate and atmospheric research
2. Build national capacity through the training of young scientists
3. Strengthen India’s climate modelling and observational capabilities
4. Contribute to global research efforts under the WMO’s Global Atmospheric Watch (GAW) Programme

Collaborative Framework:

The centre is a product of collaboration between the Ministry of Earth Sciences, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, and the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF).

Supporting National Missions: Aroma and Floriculture

During the launch, the Union Minister also highlighted national efforts to sustainably harness the ecological and economic potential of the Himalayas through initiatives like the Aroma Mission and Floriculture Mission.

1. Aroma Mission:

1. Objective: Promote cultivation of aromatic crops used in essential oils to increase farmer income and support the aroma industry
2. Nodal Agency: CSIR-CIMAP, Lucknow
3. Participating Institutions: CSIR-IHBT (Palampur), CSIR-IIIM (Jammu)

This mission also aims to use wastelands efficiently and protect crops from grazing and wild animals.

2. Floriculture Mission:

1. Focus Areas: Commercial floriculture, ornamental plants, landscaping, and beekeeping
2. Popular Crops: Rose, Marigold, Gerbera, Gladiolus, Carnation, Chrysanthemum, among others
3. Implementing Bodies:
   • Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
   • Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
   • Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC)
   • APEDA, TRIFED, FFDC (Kannuaj)
   • Ministries of Commerce and MSME

 

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