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Recently, the Minister of Science and Technology inaugurated the first ever “Himalayan High Altitude Atmospheric and Climate Research Centre” for climate research and studies.

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The Centre was inaugurated on 8^th April 2025 in Nathatop, Udhampur district. Jammu and Kashmir.

It is made with joint effort of the Ministry of Science and Technology, the J&K Forest Department, the Central University of Jammu and the Swiss National Science Foundation.

It is situated at one of the highest altitudes (2,250 meters above sea level) in the region.

Its high-altitude location helps in more accurate atmospheric and climate measurements as it is an area with clean air and minimal pollution.

Additionally, this location also helps in the study of atmospheric processes in free tropospheric conditions which is a key requirement for understanding cloud formation, weather patterns, and aerosol interactions. 

The centre’s first set of measurements will be conducted under ICE-CRUNCH, bringing together Indian and Swiss scientists to study ice-nucleating particles and cloud condensation nuclei.

These studies are crucial in understanding the role of aerosols in cloud microphysics and their broader implications on climate systems and precipitation in the Himalayan region.

• The Indo-Swiss Joint Research Project “ICE-CRUNCH (Ice nucleating particles and cloud condensation nuclei properties in the North-Western Himalayas)” is a collaborative study between Indian scientists and researchers from ETH Zürich, Switzerland. 
• It is aimed at exploring the properties of ice-nucleating particles and cloud condensation nuclei in the region. 

This centre will also serve as a long-term research hub affiliated with the World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO) Global Atmospheric Watch (GAW) Programme. 

In partnership with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the aim is to conduct continuous atmospheric monitoring and eventually integrate data into global climate models.

This reiterates that Himalayas are no longer just the ‘water towers’ of Asia they are fast becoming the nerve centre of global climate inquiry, with India leading the charge from the frontlines of Jammu and Kashmir.

Significance of the Centre

• Centre marks a significant milestone in India’s global leadership in climate science, adding that Jammu & Kashmir spearheads India’s global initiative in climate study and research in the Himalayas.
• The move is on the lines of India’s commitment to net-zero targets and the increasing credibility of its climate strategies worldwide.
• It is expected to contribute to capacity building, training of young scientists, and development of climate modelling capabilities in India. 
• It will also serve as a knowledge hub, offering training schools for students and professionals in atmospheric sciences.

Key Initiatives of the government in meteorological infrastructure

• Installation of three weather radars in Jammu and Kashmir
• The setting up of a seismological observatory in Udhampur 
• A massive 185% hike in budgetary allocation for climate and atmospheric research under Mission Mausam.