• Civic and developmental issues discussed

POONCH: Scores of public delegations from various parts of the district today called on Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana at Dak Bungalow Poonch and apprised him of a range of pressing civic, developmental and sector-specific issues concerning their areas.

The delegations highlighted water-related problems being faced by residents of the city and adjoining areas, stressing the urgent need for strengthening and upgrading existing pumping stations to ensure uninterrupted and adequate water supply.

The Minister was informed about operational bottlenecks, aging infrastructure and the growing demand due to population increase. Issues pertaining to the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department also came up for discussion, particularly those related to the functioning of the water testing laboratory.

Employees of the PHE water testing laboratory raised concerns regarding service-related matters and sought early redressal of their long-pending grievances. The delegations further brought to the notice of the Minister various matters related to CAMPA and afforestation activities in the district.

They emphasized the need for transparency, timely execution of plantation drives, involvement of local stakeholders and effective monitoring to ensure environmental conservation and ecological balance.

District Development Council (DDC) member Riyaz Bashir Naaz also led a separate delegation, which raised development-centric issues and sought focused attention towards improving basic amenities and accelerating ongoing projects in the area.

The Minister gave a patient hearing to all delegations and assured them that their genuine concerns would be taken up with the concerned departments on priority. He reiterated Omar Abdullah Government’s commitment to addressing public issues in a time-bound manner and ensuring sustainable development of the district. The Minister also directed the concerned officers to examine the issues raised and submit detailed reports for appropriate action.

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