BANDIPORA: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib, on Friday chaired a meeting with officers of the Wildlife and Forest departments, along with representatives of local communities, to address the growing monkey menace that has been causing widespread damage to crops, vegetables, and orchards in several villages.

During the interaction, villagers informed the DC that the problem peaks during the harvesting season, adding that monkeys often intrude into houses, damage property, and disturb peace in the villages.

Wildlife officials apprised the meeting that measures such as sound crackers and sound guns had already been attempted but yielded little success. They noted that monkeys, known for their adaptability, have become accustomed to human presence and coexistence. Officials further advised villagers to adopt safe waste management practices, including the use of locked dustbins, to reduce attractants.

DC stressed that the issue is a form of man–animal conflict and requires coordinated efforts, pointing out that wildlife officials alone cannot mitigate the menace in isolation. She directed the concerned departments to frame both short-term and long-term strategies, while also seeking immediate relief measures for affected residents.

Indu urged villagers to dispose-off garbage responsibly, practice waste segregation, and assured them that door-to-door waste collection and the establishment of segregation sheds would be facilitated through the Rural Development department (RDD). She further directed that a dedicated task force be constituted, comprising officials from the Wildlife and Forest Departments along with local volunteers, to jointly manage the issue.

DC assured residents that the district administration will develop a three pronged strategy with emergent solutions, 3 month consistent monitoring with additional deployment and a long term policy of growing fruits trees on higher hilly areas with anti monkey plantations near the villages to change the habit of these animals.

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