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 Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Shri Kavinder Gupta, while virtually addressing the 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.
The LAMA Web Portal is designed to integrate space-based applications for Ladakh, enabling advanced environmental monitoring, scientific research, and data-driven decision-making. The initiative is expected to benefit the region significantly while positioning Ladakh on the global scientific map through ISRO’s upcoming space missions.
The Lt Governor emphasised that 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.
Appreciating the commencement of the Centre for Space Science & Allied Subjects at the University of Ladakh, the Lt Governor highlighted a recent point raised by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, in Parliament. Dr. Singh had informed that UT Ladakh had approached the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS) for developing a Spatial Data Infrastructure geoportal “Geo-Ladakh,” which could utilise space technology for generating snow cover databases, assessing fresh water availability, identifying renewable energy potential (solar and wind), mapping alpine pastures and grazing lands, and conducting periodic climate and natural resource assessments. The Lt Governor also 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 Lt Governor 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. He assured that efforts would be made to fill Assistant Professor vacancies, ensuring that the University reaches new heights in academics and research.
On behalf of the Hon’ble CEC and the Council, Executive Councillor, Shri 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 also featured remarks from Dr. Nilesh M. Desai, Director, SAC-ISRO, and Dr. Rashmi Sharma, Deputy Director, EPSA SAC-ISRO, who joined virtually as Guests of Honour and hailed the initiative as a model for region-specific space applications.