Excelsior Correspondent
LEH, Aug 25: Climate change poses a grave threat to high-altitude regions like Ladakh and timely interventions through remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) would be crucial in addressing the challenges of temperature variations, shifting agricultural patterns and disaster preparedness.
This was stated by the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, while addressing a gathering on the occasion of the release of the LAMA (Ladakh Specific Modelling and Space Application) Web Portal at the University of Ladakh campus.
The event was jointly hosted by the University of Ladakh, the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Leh and the Space Applications Centre (SAC), ISRO Ahmedabad.
The launch also marked the release of the LAMA Project Report, a University publication, along with the screening of a special documentary on the project.
Speaking on the occasion, Kavinder said, “The portal would play a pivotal role during emergencies and natural disasters, while also providing timely scientific data to assess climate impacts and manage Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem.”
He underlined the importance of foreign academic collaborations, encouraging global participation in Ladakh’s academic curriculum, which would not only strengthen the region’s scientific base but also create career opportunities for Ladakhi youth.
Acknowledging the progress of the University of Ladakh under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Prof Saket Kushwaha, the LG noted the three-fold increase in student enrolment, the introduction of new academic courses and the commencement of a recruitment drive to fill non-teaching posts.
On behalf of the CEC and the Council, Executive Councillor, Ghulam Mehdi, congratulated ISRO scientists and the University team, stating that the LAMA initiative will connect Ladakh with cutting-edge space technology and open new avenues for regional progress.
Dr Mehul R Pandya, Principal Investigator of the LAMA Project and Group Director, SAC-ISRO Ahmedabad, expressed gratitude to the Lt Governor, LAHDC Leh and the University of Ladakh, noting that the portal is designed to serve as a knowledge-sharing platform with practical applications.
He urged departments to actively adopt its demonstrations and provide continuous feedback for improvement.
The event was also attended by Dr Nilesh M Desai, Director, SAC-ISRO and Dr Rashmi Sharma, Deputy Director, EPSA SAC-ISRO, who joined virtually as guests of honour.
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