In a significant announcement at the India International Science Festival (IISF) 2025 in Chandigarh, Union Minister of State for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr Jitendra Singh, outlined a transformative vision for the Himalayan region, positioning it as a central pillar of India's future economic growth.
From Geography to Economic Engine: A Decade of Change
Dr Singh stated that the government's approach since 2014 has fundamentally shifted the perception of the Himalayas. He emphasized that the region is no longer viewed just as a geographical entity but has been transformed into a critical economic driver. Addressing a session titled 'Himalayas in a Changing Climate', the minister argued that governance and the economy are inseparable when tackling the challenges of livelihood and building resilience in mountain communities.
Massive Expansion of Weather Monitoring Infrastructure
A key factual highlight of his address was the planned massive scaling up of India's automated weather radar network. Dr Singh revealed that the network, which had about 46 radars in 2014, is set to expand to 126 radars in the coming years. This represents a nearly threefold increase and is crucial for better climate prediction and disaster management in the vulnerable Himalayan ecosystem.
He positioned the Himalayas as a vast repository of untapped economic value, stating that harnessing it is vital for India's ambition to rank among the world's top three economies. "That will happen by adding value from the vast, untapped resources that have remained under-explored," Dr Singh asserted.
The Rise of Himalayan Startups and Integrated Growth
The minister also spotlighted the emergence of a "new genre of startups exclusive to the Himalayan region." These enterprises are leveraging the area's unique biodiversity and climate-specific opportunities to create innovative business models and generate local employment.
Further integrating livelihood with economic growth, Dr Singh noted the region's escalating potential in religious and holiday tourism. He presented a clear choice for national progress, concluding, "If we seriously want to grow our economy from where we are today, we have no other choice but to focus on the Himalayan region and ocean resources." This statement underscores a strategic pivot towards leveraging India's distinctive geographical assets for comprehensive national development.
