Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, stressed the critical role of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing in addressing the region’s growing climate challenges while releasing the LAMA (Ladakh-Specific Modelling and Space Application) Web Portal at the University of Ladakh on August 25.

Speaking virtually at the event—jointly organised by the University of Ladakh, LAHDC Leh, and the Space Applications Centre (SAC), ISRO Ahmedabad—the Lt Governor warned that high-altitude regions like Ladakh face grave threats from climate change, including shifting agricultural patterns, rising temperatures, and increased disaster risks. He said the adoption of space-based technologies was vital for timely interventions, disaster preparedness, and sustainable resource management.

The launch also marked the release of the LAMA Project Report, a University publication, and the screening of a special documentary on the initiative. The portal aims to integrate space applications for Ladakh, enabling advanced environmental monitoring, scientific research, and data-driven decision-making. It is expected to position Ladakh on the global scientific map through ISRO’s upcoming space missions.

Gupta highlighted that the portal would prove invaluable during emergencies and natural disasters, while also providing real-time scientific data to manage Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem. He appreciated the establishment of the Centre for Space Science & Allied Subjects at the University of Ladakh and referred to a recent statement by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, who informed Parliament about the proposed “Geo-Ladakh” Spatial Data Infrastructure geoportal. The platform, to be developed with IIRS, would harness space technology for mapping snow cover, assessing freshwater availability, identifying renewable energy potential, and monitoring alpine pastures and grazing lands.

The Lt Governor further underlined the importance of global academic collaborations, encouraging foreign institutions to contribute to Ladakh’s academic curriculum, which he said would strengthen the scientific base and open new career avenues for local youth.

Acknowledging the University’s progress under Vice-Chancellor Prof. Saket Kushwaha, Gupta praised the three-fold increase in student enrolment, the introduction of new courses, and ongoing recruitment drives. He assured that steps would be taken to fill vacant Assistant Professor posts to bolster teaching and research capacities.

On behalf of LAHDC Kargil, Executive Councillor Ghulam Mehdi congratulated ISRO scientists and the University team, calling the LAMA initiative a milestone that would link Ladakh with cutting-edge space technology. Dr. Mehul R. Pandya, Principal Investigator of the project and Group Director at SAC-ISRO Ahmedabad, thanked the University, LAHDC Leh, and the UT Administration for their support. He described the portal as a knowledge-sharing platform with practical applications and urged departments to adopt its tools and provide feedback.

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. Both hailed the LAMA initiative as a model for region-specific space applications.