Union health minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, was the chief guest of the inaugural session of the workshop.

While addressing to the participants, he emphasized a holistic understanding of the problems of climate change, though specific issues are to identified for regions like Ladakh as it is one of the vulnerable areas. He congratulated the organizers for organsing this workshop at Leh, Ladakh, where glaciers and snow melt is the only source water sustaining the Habitat.

State cabinet minister Nawang Rigzin Jora was the guest of honour of the inauguaral session who said that although climate change becomes political issue globally, administrators and legislators are not much aware about the consequences. He appreciated the organization of this workshop linking science of water resources with society and habitat issues.

CEC Rigzin Spalbar graced the occasion by his presence in inaugural session and K Jain, joint dirrector, National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee chaired the inaugural function. Thirty five young research scholars and 10 experts from various parts of the country came together at Leh to systematically assess combined effect of climate change glacier and snow cover changes on water as well as livelihood and Habitat of Ladakh region.

Dr Devinder Singh, Jammu University welcomed the participants and Dr. Renoj Thayyen, convener from National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee presented the workshop concept. Dr. Suresh Babu, introduced Prof. Harjit Singh, JNU for his academic contribution on Ladakh region. Chhering Tandup Coorganising secretary, IME, Bhadarwah Campus (JU) extended the vote of thanks. There were eight special lectures by renounced scholars after the inaugural session. The workshop will continue for coming ten days with special lectures, field work in five identified villages in and around of Leh town for three days and expected to synthesis field observation for future adaptive strategies.