The Survival Fight of JK Monitor: For 16 years, JK Monitor has chronicled Jammu and Kashmir with integrity. Since 2010, I have steered its newsroom alongside our visionary Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan (IIT Kharagpur alumnus, University of Maryland Ph.D.). His tragic demise in October 2026 left a severe financial and operational vacuum. Without urgent support, our 24/7 news portal risks permanently shutting down after November 2026, remaining only as a static digital archive. We appeal to well-wishers to extend a helping hand to keep our active newsroom alive. Support Us: WhatsApp: +91-9906103001 | Email: journalistajmerwani@gmail.com

SRINAGAR: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar, today chaired a detailed review meeting to assess the progress of ongoing Forest and PMGSY road projects in Rafiabad constituency.

The meeting was attended by Chief Conservator of Forests, Kashmir; Chief Engineer, PMGSY, Kashmir; Conservator of Forests, North Kashmir; Superintending Engineer, PMGSY; DFOs Langate and Baramulla besides other concerned officers.

During the meeting, the Minister took a detailed review of the status of ongoing road connectivity projects being executed under PMGSY and other Capex-funded schemes in Rafiabad and adjoining areas. He sought project-wise updates from the concerned officers, with focus on the pace of execution, completion timelines and issues hampering the progress of works.

Emphasizing the importance of road connectivity in accelerating development, Javid Dar said that effective implementation of public welfare and development projects is closely linked with reliable connectivity, particularly in rural and far-flung areas. He directed the concerned officers to ensure the timely completion of all ongoing road projects under PMGSY and other Capex funds within the stipulated timelines while maintaining quality standards and ensuring judicious utilization of public funds.

The Minister called for greater coordination among the concerned departments to address bottlenecks, streamline the execution process and ensure that the benefits of developmental schemes reach the people without delays.

Highlighting the considerable tourism potential of Rafiabad and its adjoining areas, Javid Dar stressed the need to create and upgrade infrastructure to facilitate tourism-related activities and promote local economic opportunities. He underscored that infrastructure development in the region must be pursued in a balanced and sustainable manner, ensuring that the ecological balance, natural beauty and forest identity of the area are preserved.

“Development and environmental conservation must go hand in hand. Our endeavour should be to create modern infrastructure while protecting the rich natural resources and forest wealth of the region,” the Minister maintained. He called for coordinated planning and execution of road and other infrastructure projects so that developmental needs are met without compromising environmental sustainability.

The Minister directed the concerned officers to examine the pending issues on priority and ensure that all necessary clearances are processed expeditiously to avoid delays in the execution of important public infrastructure projects. He called for close coordination between the Forest and PMGSY departments to resolve inter-departmental issues, accelerate ongoing works and improve road connectivity in Rafiabad and adjoining areas.

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