POONCH: District Development Commissioner (DDC) Vikas Kundal today conducted an extensive tour of the district to assess the progress of various developmental projects aimed at enhancing the socio-economic landscape of the region.

During his visit, DDC Kundal inspected several key initiatives, including the Mother Block Orchards and Revised Modified High Density Orchard at Block NSSB, the Crusher to Kotli Road at Chaktroo Sathra and the Multifunctional Common Facilitation Centre at Seiklu Mandi.

At the horticulture orchards, the Deputy Commissioner was informed about cultivation of 166 Apple plants in one kanal area by using the innovative trellis system combined with drip irrigation. It was further informed that more than three varieties of apples are being grown, which are expected to begin fruiting within a year—earlier than the typical fruiting cycle in Kashmir. The advancement allows farmers to sell their produce at higher market prices. The DDC urged the department to establish more such orchards across the district to further enhance farmers' incomes and improve their livelihoods.

 District Development Commissioner Vikas Kundal also inspected the progress of work on Crusher to Kotli Road at Chaktroo Sathra. The project is being executed by the Rural Development Department. He evaluated the quality of the work to ensure it meets the detailed project report (DPR) and engineering standards.

Later, the District Development Commissioner inaugurated the newly constructed Multifunctional Common Facilitation Centre at Seiklu Mandi under the Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP) at an approved cost of ₹ 39.07 lakh. The facility will serve local sheep breeders, cooperative societies, Self Help Groups, and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) by providing value addition to locally produced wool through bailing, spinning, weaving, and knitting, ultimately producing finished products for marketing. This initiative aims to boost the economy in the sheep husbandry sector.

The visit underscores the administration's commitment to addressing civic issues, expediting developmental works, and improving the overall infrastructure and living standards of local residents.

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