KATHUA: Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Rajesh Sharma, today conducted an extensive tour of Basohli to review developmental works, civic infrastructure and tourism-related projects. He was accompanied by ADC Basohli Pankaj Bhgotra, ADC Kathua Vishavjeet Singh, CPO Ranjit Thakur, XEN PWD Basohli Rajesh Kumar and other district officers.

During the tour, the Deputy Commissioner visited the historic Mint site near Bus Stand Basohli and directed the Executive Engineer PWD to immediately commence development work sanctioned by the Archaeology Department at a cost of â‚č82.34 lakh. The project includes construction of a protection wall and development of a park to preserve and showcase the heritage site.

He later visited Ward No. 11, a landslide-affected area, and instructed the Executive Engineer PWD and ACD Kathua to prepare a convergence plan for initiating protection measures. At Kulthi Morh, Rehan Panchayat, he inspected the Solid Waste Treatment Plant where compost pits have been completed. He directed PWD to expedite approach road and chain-link fencing works and stressed on community participation in maintaining cleanliness.

The Deputy Commissioner also reviewed the progress of residential huts of the Tourism Department being constructed at an estimated cost of â‚č79 lakh and instructed the executing agency to complete the work by October. He further inspected the boating point near TRC where CEO BBDA informed that 5,800 tourists had availed boating facilities in Ranjit Sagar Dam Lake till July 31, 2025.

During his visit to Purthu (Mini Goa), a popular tourist destination, he reviewed the pending riverfront development proposal from Atal Setu to Purthu aimed at creating amenities and assets.

Later, he chaired a meeting of district officers at the ADC Office Basohli and reviewed progress of ongoing development works, with focus on road conditions during monsoon. He directed officers to address public grievances on priority and instructed Agriculture and allied departments to intensify awareness about government-sponsored schemes, promote adoption of new farming practices and encourage mixed farming for financial upliftment of farmers.

The Deputy Commissioner also reviewed the status of Jal Jeevan Mission works and healthcare facilities in Basohli and directed concerned officers to ensure timely delivery of services. He also interacted with DDC Chairman Col (Retd) Mahan Singh and MLA Basohli Darshan Singh, who welcomed him to the district and apprised him of issues being faced in the hilly sub-division.

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