POONCH: Additional District Development Commissioner Pankaj Mangotra today chaired a meeting of the SDRF Committee to finalize the compensation claims for damage to Kharif crops due to excessive rains and flash floods in the month of August 2025.

During the meeting, detailed deliberations were held by the chair and Committee members including Additional Deputy Commissioner Tahir Mustafa Malik; Chief Horticulture Officer, Tehsildar Haveli, Tehsildar Surankote and Tehsildar Mendhar. The Committee finalized 226 cases and recommended them for compensation to the farmers under SDRF

Chief Agriculture Officer Jograj Singh Slathia, Member Secretary, SDRF Committee, apprised the chair and the Committee members that a total of 551 farmers claimed compensation for crop damage over an area of 98 hectares due to the excessive rains and flash floods. “After a joint verification by the Revenue and Agriculture authorities, claims of crop damage compensation by 228 farmers over an area of 63.93 hectares were found eligible under the criteria of State Disaster Response funds (SDRF),” he added.

It was informed that besides claims under SDRF, as many as 678 farmers have filed Kharif crop damage claims under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna (PMFBY), which are under verification by the concerned insurance company.

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