UDHAMPUR: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmad Rana, today presided over a public outreach programme at Udhampur to take stock of grievances and demands of people besides reviewing development scenario of the district. The public meeting witnessed overwhelming response from all sections of the society during which the participants apprised the Minister of issues being faced by them and sought his intervention for redressing them.

Member Legislative Assembly Udhampur West, Pawan Kumar Gupta; Deputy Commissioner Udhampur, Saloni Rai; Senior Superintendent of Police; Additional District Development Commissioner; Additional Deputy Commissioner and other district officers besides large number of general public participated in the public outreach programme.

Addressing the gathering, Javed Rana emphasised on unity among the people saying that the people need to remain vigilant against the divisive forces for the public good. He emphasized the collective responsibility of working towards welfare of the people and making India Vishwaguru. He sought cooperation from all stakeholders for successful implementation of various government schemes.

With the growing challenges of climate change, Javed Rana said the need for efficient water conservation methods has become paramount. He said that focus should be laid on water channel, check dams and other conservation strategies. While speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that the public meetings are a platform to obtain first hand appraisal from the gross root level besides reducing the communication gap between the public and the government.

A delegation from Dudu raised the issue of upgradation of educational infrastructure in their area and complained about the shortage of staff in Dudu. Another delegation of individuals raised the demand for upgradation of road from Ramnagar to Khenad. A delegation of individuals raised the demand for establishment of library in Gujjar and Bakerwal hostel in Udhampur. They also demanded resolution of Ladda dhar Gujjar Bakerwal issues.

Likewise, several delegations and individuals met the Minister and projected scores of demands and issues like installation of hand pumps, scarcity of drinking water, construction of forest guest house in Udhampur, girls hostel in Udhampur, construction of bridge at Benni Sangam and construction of mobile schools buildings.

Javed Rana, while interacting with the deputations, remarked that all their demands and issues shall be taken up with the concerned departments for timely redressal. He appreciated the efforts of the Deputy Commissioner and other district officers and directed all departments to foster a public-friendly environment in the district. He directed the officers to conduct awareness programs on water conservation.

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). 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