The Survival Fight of JK Monitor: For 16 years, JK Monitor has chronicled Jammu and Kashmir with integrity. Since 2010, I have steered its newsroom alongside our visionary Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan (IIT Kharagpur alumnus, University of Maryland Ph.D.). His tragic demise in October 2026 left a severe financial and operational vacuum. Without urgent support, our 24/7 news portal risks permanently shutting down after November 2026, remaining only as a static digital archive. We appeal to well-wishers to extend a helping hand to keep our active newsroom alive. Support Us: WhatsApp: +91-9906103001 | Email: journalistajmerwani@gmail.com

KULGAM: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kulgam, Athar Aamir Khan, today chaired a review meeting at the Meeting Hall of the Mini Secretariat to assess the targets achieved under the ‘Catch the Rain’ Campaign 2025, implemented through the Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP).

The meeting reviewed key interventions including the construction of water harvesting tanks, gabion structures, irrigation khuls, plantations, and strengthening of Nallah bunds. The DC directed officials to expedite the pace of execution to ensure timely completion of all ongoing works.

Stressing the importance of inter-departmental coordination, the DC called for effective convergence with MGNREGA, besides active involvement of the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments to enhance the overall impact and outreach of the programme.

The DC further instructed all concerned departments to scale up activities under the campaign and ensure that progress is regularly updated on the designated portal to facilitate effective monitoring and transparency.

Highlighting the significance of the initiative, the DC emphasized that the ‘Catch the Rain’ Campaign plays a vital role in water conservation, groundwater recharge, and strengthening irrigation infrastructure, particularly in water-scarce areas of the district.

Among others, the meeting was attended by Joint Director Planning Malik Suheel, ACD Bilal Kamgar, Executive Engineers of Jal Shakti and Flood Control, and district officers from Agriculture and allied departments.

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