In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family

BANDIPORA: Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Manzoor Ahmad Qadri who is also Chairman District  Wetland Management Units, on Tuesday convened a comprehensive meeting to discuss the strategy for demarcating wetland sites across the district. On the occasion, the DC stressed on the verification of wetland sites, addressing challenges, and ensuring the effective implementation of the demarcation process.

During the meeting, it was revealed that there are 102 wetlands in the district, out of which four sites have an area of less than 2.5 hectares and will be removed from the list. The remaining 98 sites, with areas above 2.5 hectares, will proceed with the demarcation process.

During the meeting, it was finalized that demarcation on wetlands under forest land will be managed by the Forest Department under the supervision of the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Bandipora. He will verify these sites, compare them with satellite images, and submit a report.

During the meeting, it was also highlighted that some wetland sites fall under other districts, which requires revision and rectification. While reviewing the list of wetland sites, the DC directed the  Pollution Control Board to send a list of wetland sites to the concerned Tehsildars, who will verify the sites based on satellite data. 

Further, four teams, including representatives from Irrigation, Fisheries, Agriculture, and Water Conservation departments, will be formed to carry out the demarcation in areas outside the forest and will be led by Tehsildars from Bandipora, Sumbal, Ajas, Hajin, and Gurez.

 It was decided that for forest sites, a dedicated forest team will be constituted to manage the demarcation process. Deputy Commissioner urged all concerned officers to work diligently towards the demarcation of wetland sites and achieve the set targets.

The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Zaffar Husson Shawl; Assistant Commissioner Revenue Bandipora, Shabir Ahmad wani ;  SDM Sumbal, Murtaza Ahmad; District Officer Pollution Control Committee  Irshad Ahmad ; Tehsildar Bandipora Firdous Ahmad Qadri,  and other concerned officials from various departments.

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
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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