In a significant step towards strengthening scientific research and technological collaboration in the Himalayan region, Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla, and the Defence Geoinformatics Research Establishment (DGRE) of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) have explored avenues for cooperation in disaster risk reduction, geospatial technologies, climate resilience, critical infrastructure protection and strategic Himalayan research.
Collaboration Discussions
The proposed collaboration was discussed during a visit by Dr PK Satyawali, Director, DGRE-DRDO, who held detailed deliberations with HPU Vice-Chancellor Prof Mahavir Singh at the university. The meeting was also attended by Prof Nainjeet Singh Negi, Director of the Research and Development Cell, HPU; Dr Mahesh Sharma, Deputy Director of the Himalayan Centre for Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience (HIM-DR3); and Dr Simranjit Singh, Scientist ‘G’, DGRE-DRDO, Chandigarh.
Focus Areas
Discussions focused on prospective collaboration in the field of Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience (DRRR), particularly the installation of Automatic Weather Stations (AWS), hazard monitoring systems and scientific studies to support the preparation of detailed project reports (DPRs) for critical strategic installations and infrastructure in Himachal. This partnership aims to leverage advanced geoinformatics and defence research expertise to mitigate risks in the ecologically sensitive Himalayan region.
