29 August,2026 11:40 AM IST | Jammu | mid-day online correspondent
Himachal Governor flags climate change concerns after Nepal flash floods. (PIC/X)
Himachal Pradesh Governor Kavinder Gupta has expressed concern over the devastation caused by recent flash floods in the Nepal-Tibet region, describing climate change and global warming as major challenges facing the world.
Speaking to PTI Videos on Saturday, Gupta called the incident tragic and said there was a need to ensure that such disasters do not recur.
Asked about a recent joint report by IIT Ropar and the University of Technology Sydney warning Himachal Pradesh about the threat of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), Gupta said the possibility of such incidents across the Himalayan region was a matter of concern.
He said Himachal Pradesh's Disaster Management Department was prepared to deal with such situations and stressed the need to focus on people and families affected by disasters.
Gupta also welcomed the assistance extended by the Centre to the flood-hit region and appealed to people to participate in relief efforts and help affected communities rebuild their lives.
"There has been massive destruction, and if such devastation continues in this manner, the world will have to think seriously about finding a solution," he said.
Gupta also spoke about the formation of a task force involving universities in Himachal Pradesh, saying the initiative was aimed at preparing young people for the future and contributing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'Viksit Bharat'.
He said Vice-Chancellors of universities in the state had been invited for discussions on employment, livelihood opportunities and the use of local resources.
According to Gupta, Himachal Pradesh has considerable potential in forestry, agriculture and horticulture, besides having medical and technical universities.
The universities have been asked to prepare programmes within 10 days outlining what they can accomplish over the following 100 days, which would then be implemented through concrete action.
On Prime Minister Modi's Independence Day address and his reference to Generation Z and initiatives such as free coaching for students, Gupta said universities had already been asked to prepare a roadmap.
Commenting on the controversy surrounding RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's US visit and opposition from the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), Gupta defended the organisation.
"The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh is an organisation that works with a focus on nationalism. There is nothing wrong with speaking about one's own country," he said.
(With inputs from PTI)
