ASSAM: Minister for FCS &CA, Transport, Youth Services and Sports, Information Technology, Science and Technology, ARI & Training Satish Sharma, today met Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal and discussed various pivotal issues regarding development of inland waterways and urban water transportation in J&K. The Minister expressed gratitude to the Centre government for announcing special projects pertaining to water transport infrastructure and inland waterways including jetties for river cruise tourism in River Jhelum, repair of Chhatabal weir for proper navigation and operationalisation of River Chenab, Jhelum and Ravi.

During the interaction, the Minister emphasised the immense potential of developing waterways/water bodies in Jammu & Kashmir under Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), which could greatly contribute towards the socio-economic growth of the region. He drew attention of Union Minister towards development of key water bodies including world famous lakes like Dal, Nigeen, Manasbal, Anchar, Mansar, Surinsar, Ranjit Sagar and important rivers like Sindh, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Munawar Tawi that hold immense promise for both sustainable transport and tourism.

He urged to provide vessels for important lakes viz. Dal, Wullar, Nigeen, Surinsar, Mansar and river Jhelum, Chenab and Ravi in addition to other facilities like construction of Jetties/View Points at the lakes, infrastructure for establishing Passenger transport, recreational activities in important rivers like Jhelum, Sindh, Chenab, Ravi, Munawar Tawi. This will greatly help in promoting tourism and boosting socio-economic growth of rural and border areas including Akhnoor, Rajouri, Poonch, Reasi, Kathua Chenab Valley, Gurez, Ganderbal and Kupwara.

Satish Sharma also requested for developing infrastructure for waterway transportation in certain areas in order to promote religious tourism, establishment of a Centre of Excellence in J&K for Research, Capacity Building & Training and creation of Regional/Sub-office of IWAI in J&K, declaration of other rivers in J&K as National Waterways. During the detailed discussion, the Union Minister assured full support from the Ministry saying that there are much more projects in pipeline which will develop and enhance inland water transport infrastructure in J&K.

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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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