• Directs line departments to ensure field verification of essential utilities before clearance

BANDIPORA: A meeting of the District Level Committee on Change of Land Use (CLU) was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib, at Mini Secretariat Bandipora, to review and process applications in pursuance of the Jammu & Kashmir Agricultural Land (Conversion for Non-Agricultural Purposes) Regulations Act, 2022.

During the proceedings, the committee took up 08 pending cases for comprehensive scrutiny and threadbare discussion in accordance with established regulatory guidelines. Following a detailed examination of revenue records and site feasibility, the committee approved 01 case that fulfilled all statutory requirements, while 02 cases were rejected for failing to meet the prescribed criteria. The remaining 05 cases were placed under revision pending further on-ground factual verification.

While chairing the meeting, the DC issued clear directions to the Jal Shakti (PHE) and Power Development Department (PDD) to ascertain and verify the ground realities regarding the cases kept for revision. She instructed the concerned officers to thoroughly examine the availability and feasibility of essential basic utility services, particularly water supply and electricity, at the proposed locations.

The DC emphasized that the conversion of agricultural land must strictly adhere to statutory norms without straining local utility networks. The concerned departments were directed to furnish factual field reports at the earliest to ensure expeditious, transparent, and hassle-free disposal of the cases.

The meeting was attended in person and virtually by Superintending Engineer PWD Circle Bandipora, Assistant Commissioner Revenue Bandipora Shabir Ahmad Wani, Sub-Divisional Magistrates of Sumbal and Gurez, Chief Agriculture Officer, Chief Horticulture Officer, Executive Engineers from PHE, PDD, R&B, and I&FC, District Officer Pollution Control Committee, Chief Town Planner, Tehsildars, and other concerned officers.

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). ā€œHis article, ā€˜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.ā€.  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

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