Says geospatial intelligence, anticipatory governance and real-time decision-making are vital to achieving climate-resilient India by 2047
SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 17: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday called for stronger integration of scientific research and policymaking to address climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, stressing that geospatial intelligence, anticipatory governance and real-time decision-making are essential for building climate resilience.
Addressing the valedictory session of the three-day national seminar on “Environment, Climate and Sustainability: Science, Policy and Pathways” at the University of Kashmir, Sinha said scientific findings must be translated into district development plans, water management and disaster preparedness.
“We must work towards the vision of climate-resilient, inclusive India by 2047,” the Lieutenant Governor said, emphasising the need for institutional mechanisms that connect scientific knowledge with timely government action.
Calls for anticipatory governance
Sinha described geospatial intelligence, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), as a lifeline connecting science and governance.
He called for a shift from reactive responses to anticipatory governance, supported by Climate Sensitivity Maps and Spatial Decision Support Systems.
“We must create systems that do not merely record what has already happened to a glacier, forest, or river valley, but can also tell us with full confidence what is going to happen next,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor urged scientists and environmental experts to contribute to the development of early warning systems and provide timely information to decision-makers on what should be built, where development should take place and what should be conserved.
“The time when we waited five years for a report on a subject is gone. Now we must make real-time decisions,” he said.
Institutional gap between science and policy
Sinha said the country has substantial climate data, scientific models and technological tools, including Artificial Intelligence, but continues to face gaps in institutional arrangements for translating scientific conclusions into policy.
He noted that government departments often work separately on water, forests and climate policy, despite the interconnected nature of these areas.
“Although government machinery has separate departments. One department formulates water policy, another forest policy, and yet another climate policy. But, I strongly believe such national seminars remind us that there is a deep connection among all these,” he said.
He called for trust, collaboration and a shared language between scientists and policymakers to ensure that scientific evidence informs district-level planning and other public decisions.
“If we can bridge the distance between what science knows and what policy delivers in line with that knowledge, then even the biggest challenges related to climate change can be addressed,” Sinha said.
Development must be accompanied by conservation
The Lieutenant Governor said climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution must be addressed as interconnected dimensions of the triple planetary crisis.
He advocated holistic approaches that move beyond departmental boundaries and stressed that development should be accompanied by responsibility towards the environment.
“Development must mean establishing a relationship with the Earth in which use is accompanied by responsibility, progress by conservation, and rights by duties,” he said.
Sinha also urged young researchers and scientists to think beyond disciplinary boundaries and called upon policymakers to understand and respond to scientific evidence.
Seminar brings together experts from across India
The three-day national seminar brought together ecologists, hydrologists, soil experts, policymakers and researchers from across the country to deliberate on environmental challenges and pathways towards sustainability.
Sinha lauded the seminar for creating a platform for dialogue among different scientific disciplines and encouraging a shared understanding of climate and environmental challenges.
He expressed hope that the discussions would continue beyond the conference and inform work in laboratories, universities, districts and policymaking institutions.
The Lieutenant Governor reaffirmed the importance of science-policy integration, technological innovation and cultural sensitivity in advancing sustainable development and climate resilience.
Participants
Prof. Nilofer Khan, Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir; Prof. Talat Ahmad, former Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir; Dr Rasik Ravindra, former Director, National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR); Prof. Shariefuddin Pirzada, Dean Academic Affairs, University of Kashmir; experts, policymakers, researchers, senior officials, faculty members and students attended the valedictory session.
