JAMMU: The District Water and Sanitation Mission meeting was held today to review the implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission and Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen. The review was conducted as part of the Jal Mahotsav Pakhwada 2026 being observed from March 8 to March 22.

Officers from stakeholder departments, including PO ICDS, Assistant Commissioner Panchayat, Assistant Commissioner Development, Chief Education Officer, Chief Agriculture Officer, officers of the Jal Shakti Department, Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited and other concerned departments attended the meeting.

The meeting reviewed the progress of piped water supply in rural areas of the district. Emphasis was placed on ensuring source sustainability of water supply schemes and expediting pending issues related to forest clearances and compensatory afforestation payments.

The meeting also discussed measures for the protection of rural water supply infrastructure, improvement in the status of Functional Household Tap Connections and strengthening of Water Quality Monitoring and Surveillance under JJM. Special focus was given to convergence with the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) to enhance sanitation coverage and ensure safe drinking water in rural areas.

The Superintending Engineer, Jal Shakti Hydraulic Circle Jammu presented a PowerPoint presentation highlighting district-wise and block-wise progress achieved under the mission and issues requiring inter-departmental coordination.

The district has scheduled a calendar of activities under Jal Mahotsav Pakhwada. The activities aim to promote water conservation, community participation and awareness regarding safe drinking water and sanitation, particularly in rural areas.

All departments, especially Rural Development, School Education, Health, Social Welfare and Agriculture, were directed to maintain close coordination and take necessary steps for the timely completion of water supply schemes and universal tap water coverage in rural households under Jal Jeevan Mission, in addition to observing Jal Mahotsav Pakhwada as per schedule.

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