Srinagar, Oct 13 (KINS): Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Tuesday stressed that protecting the Himalayan ecosystem is a collective national responsibility, calling for a balance between development, livelihoods and environmental conservation.
Addressing a special session of the 13th All India Sustainable Mountain Development Summit at SKUAST-K, he highlighted the importance of glaciers, rivers and natural resources, while warning against unregulated construction and activities that threaten the fragile mountain ecosystem.
The Minister highlighted scientific research, improved weather monitoring and climate change studies to strengthen disaster preparedness. He also cited the Aroma Mission and Purple Revolution as examples of science-driven livelihood generation in Jammu and Kashmir.
The summit, being held from October 12 to 14, is jointly organised by SKUAST-K and the Integrated Mountain Initiative, with discussions focusing on sustainable mountain development and the draft Jammu and Kashmir Sustainable Mountain Development Policy 2026.(KINS)
