• 2 lakh citizens take Swachhata Pledge; 3.50 lakh partake in sanitation activities

JAMMU: The Housing and Urban Development Department organised multiple events under “Swachhtantra” campaign launched in all 80 Urban Local Bodies of Jammu and Kashmir as part of 76th Republic Day of Jammu & Kashmir. A defining moment of this year’s celebration was the collective action witnessed through ‘Swachhtantra’ campaign; an inspiring Jan Andolan (people’s movement) for cleanliness. Over 2 lakh citizens came together and pledged to remain steadfast in their commitment towards a cleaner and greener environment.

‘Swachhtantra’, an innovative campaign aimed to foster a community driven approach towards cleanliness, as a lead up to the Republic Day festivities, was launched by the Housing and Urban Development Department (H&UDD) from 21st to 26th January, 2025. The initiative has brought together individuals, community groups, volunteers, Swachhata ambassadors, influencers, students and officials in a shared mission to enhance urban sanitation and create a cleaner environment for the Day of Sovereignty.

The participants, while partaking in various sanitation activities, pledged to uphold cleanliness as a personal and societal responsibility. They vowed to voluntarily contribute towards cleanliness efforts and inspire others to join the mission for creating a sustainable and hygienic environment.

The campaign featured a diverse range of events aimed at fostering awareness and action for sanitation and cleanliness. Swachhata activities like ‘Swachhata Mein Ekta’ - Celebrating Unity in Cleanliness; Nukkad Natak- “Chhote Kadam, Bade Parivartan”; Pure Waters Pure Future; Sanitation for Safe Healing in health institutions; Social Interventions by Citizens; ‘Plogging’-Run for a Swachh J&K; painting competition; quiz competitions and ‘Grow Green, Breathe Clean’-Plantation drives, were organised across all 80 Urban Local Bodies of the UT.

During the campaign, over 950 different sanitation and cleanliness activities have been carried out in which the citizens participated with great fervour and enthusiasm. More than 3, 50,000 people from urban areas participated in different sanitation activities undertaken by the 80 Urban Local Bodies.

Commissioner Secretary H&UDD, Mandeep Kaur, who spearheaded the campaign, said “Swachhtantra campaign not only enhanced the spirit of Republic Day but also reinforced the vision of Swachh Bharat Mission, celebrating the ideals of sovereignty, unity and civic responsibility through the lens of cleanliness”.

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