KATHUA: Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma today chaired a meeting to review the implementation of safety, protection and welfare measures for stray animals in the district.

The DC impressed upon the district officers, especially those from Municipalities, Higher Education, School Education, Health and Rural Development Department to strictly adhere to their mandated role and responsibilities for securing, managing and maintaining stray animals within their respective jurisdictions.

The DC directed the officers to furnish detailed Action Taken Reports, clearly indicating the status of boundary walls, gate structures and availability of watchmen, besides nomination of designated Nodal Officers for each office to supervise the implementation of stray animal management protocols.

The ADCs, SDMs and Executive Officers of Municipal Committees were instructed to identify and notify earmarked locations for dog feeding in consultation with local bodies and relevant stakeholders. It was noted that regulated dog feeding points would help in systematic monitoring and improved management of stray canine populations.

The Rural Development Department was tasked to conduct field inspections of stray dog management facilities along with elected representatives and committee members to ensure functionality, hygiene, and safety standards.

The DC also stressed the need for inter-departmental coordination, regular monitoring and public awareness on responsible stray animal care, including timely reporting of injured animals and ensuring humane handling practices.

The meeting was attended by ADC Vishavjeet Singh; GM DIC Mushtaq Chaudhary; PO ICDS Mohammad Sayed Khan; Chief Education Officer, EOs from Municipal Bodies, district officers from line departments. The ADCs and SDMs joined virtually.

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