SRINAGAR: Minister for Jal Shakti, Javed Ahmed Rana, commended the remarkable achievement of Engineers of Jal Shakti Department for prompt restoration of a major breach in the Awantipora Canal at Village Waghama, bringing relief to the distressed farmers. The breach, measuring around 40 meters in length and 20 meters deep, had occurred on the night of June 16-17, 2025, disrupting irrigation supplies to nearly 2,000 hectares of paddy land in Anantnag and Pulwama districts.

Following a visit from MLA Bijbehara, who assessed the situation and called for urgent action, the Jal Shakti Department sprang into action. A high-level meeting chaired by Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti, Shaleen Kabra, was convened to discuss restoration options.

The experts worked tirelessly to explore solutions, and the department mobilised resources, deploying heavy earth-moving machinery to create a 130-meter canal detour and undertake temporary restoration works. The restoration work was completed within a record four days, ensuring resumption of irrigation supplies to the affected areas.

The Minister lauded the Additional Chief Secretary who supervised and led Department’s Engineers who worked day and night to restore the canal, reiterating the department’s dedication towards supporting the farming community.

The farmers and public representatives have hailed this achievement, acknowledging the department’s commitment towards ensuring adequate and assured irrigation supplies.

The restoration has brought relief to hundreds of farmers, enabling them to continue agricultural activities without major disruptions during the critical paddy transplantation season.

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