Central University of Jammu: LG Manoj Sinha opens Aerosol Winter School-2025, urges strengthening climate preparedness for Himalayan Region

JAMMU: Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir Shri Manoj Sinha Ji inaugurated the 3rd Aerosol Winter School - 2025 on “Atmospheric Aerosol, Cloud & Climate Science”at Central University of Jammu. The school was organised by the Himalayan High Altitude Atmospheric & Climate Research Centre (H2A2CR) in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Sciences at Central University of Jammu, Indian National Young Academy of Science (INYAS), Indian National Science Academy (INSA) and ETH Zürich, Switzerland. The Winter School, now in its third consecutive edition, continues to serve as a national platform for advanced learning and collaborative research in atmospheric and climate sciences.

While speaking on the occasion, Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir Shri Manoj Sinha Ji expressing his appreciation for the University’s sustained scientific initiatives. He said that the Aerosol Winter School has emerged as a significant platform where scholars, faculty and scientists from across India come together each year to deliberate on crucial themes related to aerosols, clouds and climate science. Shri Manoj Sinha Ji appreciated CU Jammu’s efforts is organising such a school on aerosol reflecting the region’s growing contribution to national climate research efforts. Shri Sinha ji emphasized that atmospheric aerosols not only influence air quality but also play a decisive role in cloud formation, precipitation and broader climate modulations.

“We need to strengthen our scientific efforts and initiatives for improving early warning systems and weather forecasts, especially for the climatically sensitive region of Jammu and Kashmir,” said Shri Sinha. While recognising the complexities of the climate system, he urged the scientific community to develop models powered by machine learning, advanced radars and computing for enhancing weather predictions of flash floods and cloud bursts.

He also launched CU Jammu’s campaign “AtmosKids” for spreading awareness about aerosol, air pollution and air quality and its implications on health and climate. “I urge the Gen Z to adopt sustainable lifestyle and follow the mantra of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle,” said Shri Sinha.

The Winter Aerosol School 2025 is CU Jammu’s leadership programme bringing together notable experts from premier institutions of national and international repute. Their participation strengthens the academic depth of the training programme and promotes global collaboration in atmospheric sciences.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Sanjeev Jain, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor of Central University of Jammu, expressed pride in CUJ’s role in hosting this flagship scientific event for the third consecutive year. He remarked that the consistent guidance and presence of Hon’ble LG Shri Manoj Sinha Ji reinforces the University’s commitment to science-driven growth. Prof. Jain highlighted that aerosol science is pivotal for understanding air quality challenges, cloud microphysics and climate processes, and the Winter School provides a conducive environment for scholars to engage with advanced research methodologies. He added that the participation of renowned scientists from across the country and abroad enriches the learning experience for students and researchers attending from across the country.

The Guest of Honour on the occasion Shri Vasu Yadav, Chairman, Jammu & Kashmir Pollution Control Committee, commended the collective efforts of H2A2CR, the Department of Environmental Sciences and INYAS in organising the Winter Aerosol School. He stated that the programme plays an important role in bringing together scholars, researchers and experts to explore atmospheric particles, Cloud Condensation Nuclei (CCN) and Ice Nucleating Particles (INPs), all of which are central to addressing India’s air quality and climate challenges. He further remarked that the continued support of Hon’ble LG Shri Manoj Sinha Ji reflects the administration’s commitment to scientific advancement in the region.

Dr. Zamin A. Kanji, Group Leader at the Institute for Atmospheric & Climate Science, ETH Zürich, Switzerland, observed that the Aerosol Winter School has become a vibrant academic forum that brings together bright scholars and experienced researchers from various parts of India. He appreciated the Hon’ble LG’s continued support and stated that India’s active engagement in aerosol-cloud-climate interaction studies is both timely and globally relevant. Dr. Kanji also expressed satisfaction at the collaborative participation of researchers from ETH Zürich and Indian institutions, noting that such exchanges strengthen scientific understanding and foster long-term partnerships.

Dr. Shweta Yadav, Associate Dean and Centre In-charge (H2A2CR), in her welcome address, stated that it was a moment of great pride for the Centre to successfully organise the third edition of the Aerosol Winter School in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Sciences, INYAS and ETH Zürich. She noted that the enthusiastic involvement of the Hon’ble LG every year motivates the scientific community and enhances the visibility of atmospheric research in Jammu & Kashmir.

The event was attended by senior academic leaders, faculty members, scientists, scholars and students. The programme concluded with a formal vote of thanks delivered by Prof. Yashwant Singh, Registrar, CU Jammu.