SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today administered the Oath of Office to Suresh Kumar Gupta, who has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Jammu and Kashmir Water Resources Regulatory Authority (JKWRRA). The oath ceremony was held at the Civil Secretariat and was attended by senior officers of the Government and officials associated with the water resources sector.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Secretary extended his congratulations to Shri Gupta and expressed confidence that his rich administrative experience and deep understanding of natural resource management would further strengthen the Authority’s efforts towards ensuring sustainable, equitable and efficient management of water resources across the Union Territory.

The Jammu and Kashmir Water Resources Regulatory Authority is a statutory body mandated to regulate and oversee the development, management and conservation of water resources in the Union Territory. The Authority plays a crucial role in promoting integrated water resource management, safeguarding water security and advising the Government on policies and strategies for sustainable utilization of this vital resource.

Gupta was appointed as Chairperson of the JKWRRA by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir vide Notification S.O. 164 dated June 9, 2026, issued under Section 139 of the Jammu and Kashmir Water Resources (Regulation and Management) Act, 2010. His appointment came into effect upon assumption of charge.

A distinguished officer of the 1991 batch of the Indian Forest Service (IFS), Suresh Kumar Gupta brings with him more than three decades of experience in public administration, environmental governance, forest management and natural resource conservation. During his illustrious career, he served in several key positions in Jammu and Kashmir, including Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Head of Forest Force (HoFF), the highest professional position in the Forest Department.

He has also held important assignments as Principal Secretary, Culture, Tribal Affairs and School Education Departments besides serving as Chairman J&K Biodiversity Council, Chief Wildlife Warden; Director, Social Forestry, Director Forest Protection Force, Director J&K Forest Research Institute and Managing Director, Jammu and Kashmir Forest Development Corporation (JKFDC). His extensive experience in environmental stewardship, watershed conservation and sustainable resource management is expected to greatly benefit the functioning of the Water Resources Regulatory Authority.

On assuming office, Gupta expressed his gratitude to the Government for reposing confidence in him and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening water governance mechanisms, promoting sustainable water use and ensuring effective regulation of the Union Territory’s precious water resources in the larger public interest.

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
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

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following 👇