JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir Border Area Development Conference (BADC), a registered organisation working for the welfare of border residents and tribal population of Jammu and Kashmir, has welcomed the Ministry of Railways' approval for conducting the Final Location Survey (FLS) of the proposed  new railway line for Poonch under Northern Railway, at a sanctioned cost of approximately Rs. 24 crore.

The organisation termed the development a significant and long-awaited step towards improving connectivity in the border districts, which have remained relatively underserved for decades. Dr. Shazad Ahmed Malik, Chairman of BADC and former Vice Chancellor, welcomed the survey approval and said it shows renewed attention towards the needs of border areas.  

However, he also mentioned that aspirations , and suggestions of the people of border districts must be given weightage in final draft of the survey and the route should include both Rajouri and Poonch districts. The BADC Chairman added that his organisation has long pushed for better connectivity between border districts and the mainland, and this step is part of that ongoing effort.

"This railway line will also serve India's strategic defence. It is of immense strategic, economic and social importance," he said. The former VC  also thanked all public representatives of Jammu and Kashmir, including Members of Parliament, Members of Legislative Assembly, former MLAs, Panchayat representatives and others, for keeping this demand alive at various forums over the years.

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