KISHTWAR: In pursuance to the Supreme Court directions, the District Administration Kishtwar today convened a key meeting to review and discuss the management of stray dogs. The meeting was chaired by the District Development Commissioner (DDC) Pankaj Kumar Sharma and focused on strengthening measures for effective stray dog management.

The DC directed the Heads of line departments to ensure the mapping of all offices functioning from government buildings and private accommodations, and to ensure that their premises are properly fenced, gated, and secured in accordance with the directions of the Supreme Court.

During the deliberations, the CEO Municipal Council apprised the meeting that designated feeding spots for stray animals have been identified within municipal limits, and installation of signages is in progress.

“These feeding points must be clearly earmarked, officially notified, and regularly maintained to ensure public convenience while upholding humane treatment of animals,” the Deputy Commissioner maintained.

The DC emphasised the need to launch a joint mass awareness campaign by the concerned departments. “The campaign will focus on prevention of animal cruelty, canine sterilization, importance of designated feeding points, legal consequences of cruelty and dissemination of IEC material at public locations such as markets, bus stands, schools, and other prominent places,” he added.

The Municipal Council and Animal Husbandry Department were directed to ensure the humane lifting, transportation, sterilization, vaccination, tagging, and re-release of stray dogs strictly in line with Rule 11 of the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023. The DC stressed the establishment of a dog-friendly and humane environment, including temporary resting areas and safe zones.

The Animal Husbandry Department apprised the DC that the SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) has already been constituted, registered and is functional.

Pertinently, the Deputy Commissioner has already directed the Animal Husbandry Department to establish a full-fledged Animal Shelter-cum-ABC Centre on the allotted 10 kanal state land at Village Dool. The upcoming facility will house an operation theatre, post-operative wards, vaccination and feeding zones, along with a comprehensive record-maintenance system to streamline stray dog management efforts in the district.

The meeting was attended by ADC Pawan Kotwal; ACR Idrees lone; ACD, Manoj Kumar; ACP Neeraj Sharma;  EO Municipal Council Mirza Mumtaz Iqbal; ARTO Tasleem Wani; ExEns, DSHO, Dy. CEO besides other officers and concerned staff.

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