• Amid Forest fire concerns, department strengthens workforce, empowers farmers, and promotes modern nursery techniques to ensure sustainable growth

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department has unveiled an ambitious plan to plant 1.5 crore saplings upto March end this financial year, aiming to improve the region's green cover and mitigate climate change.  Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF/HoFF) S.K. Gupta, announced the initiative during a plantation drive at Ompora city forest.

 Addressing recent concerns over increased forest fires, PCCF attributed the incidents to a prolonged dry spell. He said that swift action by forest officials had prevented significant damage.  The department is also taking steps to strengthen its workforce by referring vacancies to the SSRB for recruitment, he stated.

In a move to support local farmers and expand tree cover outside designated forest areas, the Social Forestry Department distributed male poplar clones. PCCF highlighted the importance of integrating modern techniques into nursery management, releasing a pamphlet prepared by DFO Budgam to guide best practices. He also inspected the Forest nursery in Budgam, stressing the need for raising tall conifer plants.

While underlining that community involvement is crucial to protect and expand our forests, PCCF urged residents to participate in the plantation drives. The event saw the participation of civil society members, NGOs, and senior forest officials, including Chief Conservator of Forests Kashmir Irfan Rasool, Regional Wildlife Warden Kashmir Tawheed Deva and Regional Director Social Forestry Zahid Moghul.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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