DRASS: Government Degree College (GDC) Drass has joined a major scientific field study under the joint ISRO–NASA NISAR Mission, marking the institution’s first participation in a research programme linked to the international satellite mission focused on monitoring permafrost and rock glaciers in the Western Himalaya.
The collaboration brings GDC Drass into a multi-institutional research initiative funded by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and involving Azim Premji University, the Geological Survey of India, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru, JIS University Kolkata and international researchers, including experts from Austria.
As part of the ongoing field campaign, researchers conducted a detailed survey of the Lasar La Glacier in the Drass region, collecting scientific data on glacier dynamics, permafrost conditions and geomorphological processes. The study is expected to contribute to a better understanding of climate change impacts on the Himalayan cryosphere.
The field investigations were led by a multidisciplinary team comprising glaciologists, climate scientists, geologists and engineering experts from premier institutions. The expedition was supported by Suhail Ahmad, trainer from the Department of High Altitude Trekking Guide, GDC Drass.
Representing the college, Dr. Shoib Maqbool and Dr. Mohsin Ahmad participated in the fieldwork along with students from the Department of Geology. Students of the sixth semester geology programme received hands-on training in glacier studies, rock glacier mapping, permafrost monitoring and the use of geospatial and remote sensing technologies.
The exposure provided students with a rare opportunity to work alongside leading researchers and gain practical insights into contemporary scientific methods used in climate and cryosphere research.
The Department of Geology acknowledged the support of Principal Nasir Shabani for facilitating the collaboration and promoting research-based learning opportunities for students and faculty. The field campaign will continue over the coming days with surveys planned at additional glacier and permafrost sites across the Drass region. Researchers expect the studies to generate valuable scientific data while creating further opportunities for local students to participate in advanced Himalayan climate research linked to the ISRO–NASA NISAR Mission.
