JAMMU: In a significant achievement, the Central University of Jammu (CUJ) bags the highly esteemed DST-PURSE (Department of Science and Technology – Promotion of University Research and Scientific Excellence) grant for the year 2023 worth Rs. 6.51 Crores.
The university’s remarkable feat comes as recognition of its commitment to advancing scientific research and innovation in the field of atmospheric science and environmental health.
Vice Chancellor, CUJ, Prof. Sanjeev Jain, while congratulating the PURSE implementation Group reiterated the importance of fostering research excellence and innovation in the areas of Nanoscience, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Biotechnology, and Atmospheric Science. In consonance with National Education Policy 2020, he emphasized on promotion of inter-disciplinary research.
His unwavering commitment lies in establishing dedicated instrumentation facilities and robust infrastructure within the Central University of Jammu, fostering an environment conducive to cutting-edge research and innovation. This endeavor is poised to not only enhance the university’s research capabilities but also contribute significantly to the advancement and well-being of the people in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Under the project theme “Implications of Atmospheric Aerosols on Regional Climate & Human Health: Mitigation Strategies for Air Pollution in the North-Western Himalayan Region”, the university is set to embark on a four-year journey of exploration and analysis. The research endeavor aims to shed light on the intricate connections between atmospheric aerosols, regional climate patterns, and their direct consequences on human health. Aerosol-ecosystem interactions are complex and have significant implications on climate, biodiversity, and human health.
The PURSE proposal is aligned with National Clean Air Programme, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, and National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) with a focus on near real-time aerosol source apportionment and suggesting abatement strategies.
Near real-time aerosol source apportionment studies are limited to very few places in India and the PURSE grant will enable CUJammu to conduct the first real-time aerosol source apportionment in J&K to understand its implications on regional climate and human health and for developing solutions for Air Pollution Mitigation in the North-Western Himalayan Region.
This grant is a breakthrough step toward success for the UT of J&K and will benefit the researchers and policymakers at the local, regional, and global levels. Overall, the establishment of a high-end advanced PURSE-supported lab in CUJ will lead to the accomplishment of extraordinary milestones in terms of skill development, capacity building, and the overall welfare of people living in the vicinity.
Leading a team of seasoned researchers and experts, Dr. Pawan Kumar, the Coordinator of the project, expressed immense enthusiasm for the upcoming research.
“This grant opens up unprecedented opportunities for us to comprehensively understand the implications of atmospheric aerosols. Our findings will not only contribute to enhancing our knowledge of regional climate systems but also provide valuable insights for devising effective strategies to mitigate air pollution and safeguard public health,” remarked Dr. Shweta Yadav, Co-Coordinator of the project.
