In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family

RAJOURI: Aimed at strengthening wildlife conservation efforts in Jammu & Kashmir, Minister for Forest, Ecology & Environment, Javed Ahmed Rana, today inaugurated newly developed Carnivore Enclosure at Shachera Conservation Reserve in Rajouri. The inauguration is part of ongoing Wildlife Week 2025 celebrations, being observed across Jammu & Kashmir from October 2 to 8 aimed at fostering awareness and action for the protection of J&K’s diverse ecological resources.

DDC Chairperson, Naseem Liaqat Choudhary; MLAs Javaid Iqbal Choudhary and Iftikhar Ahmed were also present on the occasion. Chairman Pollution Control Committee, Chief Wildlife Warden J&K, senior officers of the forest department, district officials and members of the local communities were also present. Addressing the gathering, the Minister underscored the urgent need for a unified and collaborative approach to safeguarding the rich biodiversity of Jammu & Kashmir.

He stressed that protecting JK’s natural heritage is not only a moral and environmental imperative but also essential for securing a sustainable and resilient future for generations to come. Highlighting the role of community engagement, the Minister noted that conservation cannot succeed in isolation. He called for active involvement of local communities, particularly those living in and around forested areas, as key partners in safeguarding wildlife and natural habitats.

He further called for coordinated action to address the challenges of encroachment, poaching and habitat degradation. The Minister also outlined a vision for adopting innovative strategies in the fields of afforestation, biodiversity conservation and human-wildlife conflict mitigation. He called for the promotion of eco-tourism in a way that balances environmental sensitivity with sustainable economic development, ensuring local communities benefit while ecological integrity is preserved.

He laid strong focus on the adoption of modern technologies for forest surveillance, wildlife tracking and habitat monitoring. Rana reiterated that environmental stewardship is a shared responsibility that must extend beyond departmental boundaries. He further advocated for enhanced interdepartmental coordination, policy alignment, and greater collaboration between government agencies, civil society, and citizens to drive impactful and lasting conservation outcomes.

Pertinently, the inauguration of Carnivore enclosure marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to strengthen protected areas in Jammu & Kashmir, with focus on improving habitat-specific facilities for the long-term wellbeing of endangered species.

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
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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