SRINAGAR: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, on Wednesday chaired a meeting of the Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC) Department to review the notification status for delineation and demarcation of flood plain/flood basins identified post 2014 floods in Jhelum basin to regulate landuse and human activity for obviating flood threats and minimise flood damages.

The meeting was attended by the Assistant Commissioner Central, Chief Engineer I&FC, Deputy Director Planning, Executive Engineers of I&FC, and other concerned officers.

At the outset, I&FC officials gave a detailed presentation on Flood Plain Zoning and the notification of flood basins. The presentation covered the impact of the 2014 floods, inundation statistics of agricultural, built-up and wasteland areas, loss of floodplain storage due to urbanisation and encroachment, integrated flood management strategies including structural and non-structural measures, and regulation of activities in flood-prone areas.

Addressing the meeting, the Divisional Commissioner directed I&FC officials to reconcile flood basin expanse areas of six wetlands with the Forest & Wildlife Departments. These flood basins play critical role for flood moderation and storage of excess flood waters. He also directed for circulation of land use classification details includes that of private players for calling objections from public at large. 

The Div Com stressed on the need to have scientific demarcation on the basis of Hrydrologic modelling, be done on left side of River Jhelum from Sangam to Padshahi Bagh which would further pave way for the administration to finalise the related extract revenue records reflecting land use. He further directed the modelling of a once-in-twenty-five-years flood area for the regulatory zone, freezing the boundary of regulatory zone to put the process on fast track. Assistant Commissioner Central was asked to ensure the availability of revenue records of Anchar and Wullar lakes to the I&FC Department.

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