• Emphasizes tech-enabled approach to water conservation

SRINAGAR: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Departments, Javid Ahmed Dar, on Thursday, launched the official website of Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar.

The launch event was attended by Commissioner/Secretary, Rural Development Department, Babila Rakwal; Secretary, Information Technology Department, Piyush Singla; Chief Executive Officer, IWMP, J&K, Rajnish Kumar and others.

On the occasion, the Minister emphasized that the launch of the IWMP website marks a major step in efforts to ensure transparency, accountability and citizen engagement in watershed development across Jammu and Kashmir. He said that the portal will enable real-time updates on watershed interventions, allowing the citizens to track ground-level progress, monitor resource utilization and identify areas of improvement.

“From mapping ponds and reservoirs to detailing interventions in each catchment, the IWMP portal reflects our commitment to climate-resilient development, reaching even the remotest Panchayats,” Dar said.

The Minister highlighted that rainfed areas in J&K are particularly vulnerable to land degradation and water scarcity. He said the new digital platform will help strengthen planning, monitoring, and execution of projects tailored to these ecologically sensitive zones.

Dar also emphasized the importance of building small reservoirs to conserve water effectively. He reiterated the role of digitization in tracking the watershed projects. “Water preservation is crucial and constructing small reservoirs can make a significant difference,” he said.

The Minister underlined the need for digital platforms to improve governance. Babila Rakwal lauded the digital leap, calling it “a transformative tool to improve field-level implementation of watershed programmes.”

Secretary IT, Dr. Piyush Singla, emphasized the critical role of information technology in enhancing public service delivery and interdepartmental coordination. He stressed the importance of making government websites dynamic and interactive, noting that static websites often go unnoticed.

Rajnish Kumar, provided an overview of the portal's features and reiterated the department’s commitment to sustainable watershed development using data-driven approaches and modern technologies.

He said that the newly launched web portal — iwmp.jk.gov.in â€” has been designed as a robust digital platform under the WDC–PMKSY 2.0 scheme to promote transparency, accessibility and real-time dissemination of information on watershed development projects. It offers dynamic access to project guidelines, progress reports, success stories and more, aiming to enhance the evidence-based planning and encourage active community participation, he added. He stated that 19 projects are currently under implementation, covering a vast project area of 69493 hectares under the Integrated Watershed Management Programme.

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