MoEFCC to Organise ‘Him-CONNECT’ at WSDS 2026 in New Delhi

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) will organise ‘Him-CONNECT’ on the sidelines of the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) 2026 in New Delhi from 25 to 27 February 2026.

Him-CONNECT is a collaborative platform aimed at linking researchers working in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) with startups, investors and policymakers to scale up climate-resilient and sustainable innovations.

The event will be open to visitors on 26 and 27 February 2026.

Showcasing 24+ Innovations for the Himalayas

More than 24 technologies, prototypes, patents and pilot projects developed under the National Mission on Himalayan Studies (NMHS) will be showcased.

These innovations address the fragile Himalayan ecosystem and focus on:

• Water security
• Climate adaptation
• Waste-to-wealth solutions
• Sustainable building
• Renewable energy
• Nature-based livelihoods

Over 100 startups, incubators, investors and policymakers are expected to participate.

Institutions Participating

The innovations come from premier institutions including:

• IITs (Guwahati, Roorkee, Jodhpur, Jammu, Ropar, Mandi)
• CSIR institutes (CRRI and IHBT)
• Central Agricultural University, Imphal
• NITs (Silchar and Arunachal Pradesh)
• SKUAST-K
• University of Kashmir
• TERI-Guwahati
• Kumaon University
• G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment

Key Innovations on Display

Some notable technologies include:

• Eco-friendly road construction techniques
• Treated wastewater for hydroponic farming
• Sericulture waste converted into burn ointments
• Low-cost mineralised water purifiers
• Pine needle-based wastewater treatment systems
• Decentralised wastewater reuse systems
• Yak milk cottage cheese processing technologies

Significance of Him-CONNECT

The Indian Himalayan Region is a vital ecological and climate regulator for Asia, supporting millions of people.

Him-CONNECT aims to:

• Align science with finance and policy
• Promote climate resilience and green growth
• Encourage commercialisation of research
• Foster South-South cooperation in mountain regions

The initiative reflects India’s commitment to solution-oriented climate leadership and sustainable development.

MCQs: Him-CONNECT 2026

Q1. Him-CONNECT is being organised by which ministry?
(a) Ministry of Rural Development
(b) Ministry of Science & Technology
(c) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
(d) Ministry of Agriculture
(e) Ministry of Power

Ans: (c)
Sol: Him-CONNECT is organised by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

Q2. Him-CONNECT is being held alongside which event?
(a) COP Climate Summit
(b) India Climate Forum
(c) World Sustainable Development Summit
(d) G20 Climate Meet
(e) UN Biodiversity Conference

Ans: (c)
Sol: It is organised on the sidelines of the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS).

Q3. The innovations showcased under Him-CONNECT are supported by which mission?
(a) National Clean Air Programme
(b) National Solar Mission
(c) National Mission on Himalayan Studies
(d) National Afforestation Programme
(e) National River Conservation Plan

Ans: (c)
Sol: The innovations are developed under the National Mission on Himalayan Studies (NMHS).

Q4. How many technologies and projects will be showcased at Him-CONNECT?
(a) 10
(b) 15
(c) 20
(d) More than 24
(e) 50

Ans: (d)
Sol: More than 24 technologies and pilot projects will be exhibited.

Q5. The Indian Himalayan Region is important because it:
(a) Hosts major oil reserves
(b) Is a major IT hub
(c) Acts as a climate regulator and life-support system
(d) Has the largest population in India
(e) Is India’s main industrial zone

Ans: (c)
Sol: The IHR is a climate regulator and life-support system for millions.