Dr. Thamban Meloth, Director, NCPOR, represented India at the Regional Dialogue on Permafrost Research in the Hindu Kush Himalaya, held on 30–31 July 2026 at the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), Kathmandu, Nepal.
Experts from Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, and Pakistan came together to discuss how to better understand and monitor permafrost (permanently frozen ground) in the Himalayan region. The discussions focused on improving knowledge to support safer infrastructure, protect water resources, and strengthen regional cooperation through shared data and collaborative research. India's participation highlights its continued commitment to advancing cryosphere research, improving climate understanding, and strengthening scientific partnerships across the region.