BUDGAM: A District-Level Committee (DLC) meeting regarding the conversion of agricultural land for non-agricultural purposes under the J&K Agricultural Land (Conversion for Non-Agricultural Purposes) Regulations, 2022, was convened today under the chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Budgam, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, here.

All designated DLC members and concerned sectoral officers attended the meeting. The agenda of the meeting was to deliberate on pending land use conversion cases and to examine them in light of departmental remarks and statutory regulations. The committee discussed various cases related to set-up of different units such as, Establishment of Packaged Drinking Water Unit, Construction of Shops, Construction of Hotels, etc.

DC directed the concerned departments to verify all technical parameters, ownership documents, zoning compliance, and environmental considerations before final recommendations are issued. He stressed the need for efficient inter-departmental coordination to streamline the process of land conversion while ensuring adherence to legal and ecological safeguards.

He underscored the importance of balancing developmental needs with sustainable land management practices, adding that while the administration is committed to facilitating ease of doing business, no compromise shall be made on legal provisions and environmental norms. He further instructed that all departments must ensure clarity, accountability, and public transparency in processing such cases. “Each case must be examined on its merit with strict adherence to the J&K Land Use Conversion Regulations, so that genuine applicants are not subjected to procedural hurdles,” he stated.

DC directed all concerned departments for prompt participation and responsiveness. He reiterated that such meetings must be conducted regularly to speed up decision-making and support planned infrastructure growth in the district. He directed all the concerned departments for forwarding the examined cases to the appropriate quarters along with consolidated departmental remarks for final decision under the framework of the J&K Agricultural Land Conversion Regulations.

CEO Doodhpathri Development Authority, General Manager DIC Budgam, ACR, Chief Agriculture Officer, Chief Horticulture Officer DFO Pir Panjal Forest Division, Budgam, Executive Engineers of PWD (R&B) Budgam and Beerwah, Executive Engineer, Irrigation & Flood Control Division, Budgam, Executive Engineer, KPDCL Budgam, Executive Engineer, PHE Budgam, Pollution Control Board Officer, and other concerned officers were present in the meeting.

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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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