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

JAMMU: Minister for Jal Shakti, Javed Ahmed Rana, today informed the House that 20 Water Supply Schemes (WSSs) have been taken up under Jal Jeevan Mission in Marh constituency at an estimated cost of Rs. 61.06 crore. The Minister was replying to a question raised by Surinder Kumar in the Legislative Assembly.

He informed that, out of Rs. 61.06 crore, an expenditure of Rs. 19.65 crore has been made, so far. The expenditure included Rs. 14.15 crore on procurement of pipes being used in these schemes, of which, pipes costing Rs. 12.79 crore have been issued for utilization in these schemes and the rest are in the Central stores. He added that GI and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipes are being used in these schemes as per the suitability and technical feasibility, in accordance with the CPIIEEO Manual and advisories of the National Jal Jeevan Mission which explains "HDPE pipes should be preferably used over GI pipes."

The Minister added that the UT has been consistently opposing the use of HDPE pipes even in plain areas for which sound technical reasoning is not provided. It is imperative to use such cost-effective pipes that are currently used across many States in the country.

The Minister further informed that work, in this regard, is in progress in Chak Dina Dhatriyal, Makwal Malkey Chak, Gandu Chak, Nagbani and Chak Dali Old. He added that four tube wells have been completed while the work on the fifth is in progress. Legislators; Arvind Gupta and Chander Prakash Ganga raised supplementaries on the issue.

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