IHG (Institute of Himalayan Glaciology):-

General objectives of IHG

Realising the all-encompassing importance of glacier studies in the development of the State, requirement for the setting up of Institute of Himalayan Glaciology (IHG) is utmost. The IHG would direct the future efforts in Glaciological Research in J&K State in a more focused and purposeful manner. The Jammu Himalaya has a common ice fence with the glaciers in Zanskar Ranges (Ladakh) as well as with the glaciers in Kashmir Himalaya and Himachal Himalaya through Jhelum-Chenab ice fields. As such, setting up of the Institute (IHG) in Jammu University sounds logical and more meaningful as it would cater to the glaciological research in Kashmir, Ladakh, Jammu and Himachal Pradesh. Considering the urgent need of glaciological studies to manage the glacier melt water and glacial environment, it has become very important that regional center is established exclusively to 
i) undertake coordinated research in all the major aspects of glaciology 
ii) create a data center at state/national level to disseminate glaciological data among researchers and user agencies like hydropower and environmental managers, etc., and 
iii) sensitize and generate awareness among the decision-makers, politicians, private entrepreneurs and general public, at large. 
In view of the special nature of glaciological studies that require a long term field observations in a difficult and treacherous terrain, an institutional framework to the glaciological research in J&K State alone would ensure steady and sustainable growth of the science of glaciology and its application in various sectors. The Institute of Himalayan Glaciology (IHG) shall work in close liaison with reputed national research organizations, such as Snow and Avalanche Studies Establishment (SASE) Chandigarh/Manali, National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee and Indian Meteorological Department, New Delhi for the generation of data and dissemination of information. The general objective of the Institute of Himalayan Glaciology (IHG) is to carry out glaciological, hydrological, climatological and environmental studies on various glaciers of the state and invite interactive scientific sessions with other scientists and organizations working on similar field in India and abroad. The scientific interaction would help develop models and plan the disaster management well in time. To achieve the objectives, detail field input of glaciers will have to be generated in the following manner: 
a) Study mass, water and heat balances at various glaciers (to be identified in phased manner) in J & K state during entire ablation period by installing instrumental/ observational and logistic facilities. 
b) Prepare large-scale base and thematic maps. 
c) Develop long-term database for research and application. 
d) Training and manpower development. 
The Institute of Himalayan Glaciology (IHG) is expected to be the hub of all glaciological activities, research and applications and would build the science of glaciology in Jammu & Kashmir State on a firmer footing. The expertise developed during last two decades, at the University of Jammu, would be properly made use of in the studies of various glaciers in Jammu & Kashmir State.

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