Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today called on Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh in New Delhi and discussed strengthening weather observation and early-warning systems. During the meeting, Dr. Singh stressed that necessary steps should be taken to ensure that Himachal Pradesh has an adequate early-warning system, particularly keeping in view its difficult mountainous terrain and vulnerability to extreme weather events. The meeting also covered the proposed expansion of the weather observation network in the State. The Minister also discussed the expansion of the successful lavender cultivation model under the CSIR Aroma Mission in Himachal Pradesh.

The discussions also covered the Gram Panchayat-level weather forecast being provided by the India Meteorological Department, aimed at taking location-specific weather information closer to people at the grassroots. Another key issue discussed was the possibility of establishing a high-altitude sky observatory in Spiti. The discussions included the possibility of combining a telescope facility for scientific studies and use by college students with smaller telescope-based facilities that could enable tourists to experience stargazing. The discussions also reflected the potential of science and technology interventions to address some of the state’s distinctive challenges, including scientific exploration and new tourism opportunities in high-altitude areas.