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

SRINAGAR: Commemorating the World Environment Day, the House Committee on Environment of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly today held its introductory meeting under the chairmanship of MLA Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami at the Legislative Assembly Complex, Srinagar.

The meeting was attended by members including Professor Gharu Ram, Baldev Raj Sharma, Daleep Singh, Showkat Hussain Ganai, Javaid Ahmad Mirchal, Dr. Sajjad Shafi, Javaid Reyaz ( Bedar), Dr. Rameshwar Singh and Devyani Rana.

Tarigami expressed gratitude to all the members for becoming part of a committee entrusted with a matter of universal concern affecting the human beings, wildlife, flora and fauna and so the future generations. He stated that environmental protection is not merely an administrative responsibility but a collective moral obligation towards society and nature.

The Chairman highlighted several pressing environmental concerns confronting Jammu and Kashmir, including increasing pollution in water bodies, unscientific waste dumping, deforestation, excessive use of plastic, degradation of wetlands and shrinking green cover. He expressed serious concern over the deteriorating condition of Anchar Lake and other water bodies of Kashmir, stating that continued pollution, encroachments and negligence pose a grave threat to the ecological balance of the region.

Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami also stressed the urgent need for restoration and conservation of lakes, rivers and forests in both Jammu and Kashmir divisions. He observed that unchecked urbanization, environmental degradation and climate change are adversely affecting the biodiversity, public health and the fragile ecology of the Union Territory.

All the members of the Committee gave their valuable suggestions and unanimously resolved that the Committee holds immense significance in safeguarding the environmental future of Jammu and Kashmir. The members emphasized that the administration should extend full cooperation and necessary institutional support for effective implementation of the recommendations of the Committee.

The Committee further proposed to undertake extensive visits across every nook and corner of Jammu and Kashmir to interact with the general public, assess environmental concerns at the grassroot level and create mass awareness regarding the urgent need for protection and preservation of the environment for present and future generations.

The members also called for strengthening the waste management systems, preventing illegal dumping of waste, protecting water bodies and wetlands, promoting afforestation drives and discouraging indiscriminate use of plastic through strict enforcement and public participation.

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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