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  • Multiple WSS, PMGSY roads, PHC ward expansion to strengthen water, road, healthcare infrastructure

MANKOTE: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today laid the foundation stones for multiple major development projects worth  ₹64.44 crore in Mankote area. These ambitious projects will give significant impetus to drinking water supply, road connectivity and healthcare infrastructure in the area.

During a public outreach programme at Dullian Sandote, the Minister laid the foundation stones for four Water Supply Schemes under UT CAPEX with a combined estimated cost of ₹8.60 crore. These included Water Supply Scheme Keri Kandi Kangra costing ₹2.25 crore, WSS Balakot Sandote costing ₹2.15 crore, WSS Prawa Dharati Panjani Phase-II costing ₹2.75 crore and WSS Kund Manjhari worth ₹1.455 crore.

The Minister also laid the foundation stones for five PMGSY road projects involving an investment of around ₹55.09 crore. These included Kanti Gala to Dhratti Road costing ₹13.26 crore; Balakote Behrote to Dullian Sandote Road costing ₹5.92 crore; Sanghiote Road to Hattain Ferozalan Road costing ₹9.78 crore; Basooni Behruti Road to Behroti Lower costing ₹20.17 crore and Basooni Hansal to Khana Goda Gopal Road costing ₹5.96 crore.

The road projects are aimed at improving all-weather connectivity in the remote and hilly areas, facilitating the movement of people and goods and strengthening access to markets, healthcare, education and other essential services.

In the healthcare sector, Rana laid the foundation stone for construction of two 30-bedded wards at PHC Dhargloon, Tehsil Balakote, at an estimated cost of ₹74.95 lakh under the District CAPEX Budget (ABDP) 2025-26. The expansion will augment the bed capacity of the health facility and improve access to medical services for residents of Balakote and adjoining areas.

Speaking on the occasion, Rana said that ensuring balanced and inclusive development of remote and border areas remains a key priority of the Government. Rana said drinking water security remains one of the foremost priorities of the Government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. “Access to safe and adequate drinking water is a basic necessity, and these schemes will address the demands of people living in remote and hilly habitations,” he said.

Referring to the PMGSY projects, the Minister said that improved road connectivity is the backbone of development and would help open new avenues of economic activity while ensuring easier access to markets and essential services. He stressed the need for timely completion and quality execution of all the projects.

During the public outreach programme, Rana interacted with the local population and listened to their issues and developmental demands. He apprised the people of the major projects being taken up in the area and assured them that their genuine concerns would be taken up with the concerned departments on priority.

The Minister directed the concerned officers to ensure close monitoring, quality execution and timely completion of all ongoing and newly initiated works so that the benefits reach the people at the earliest.

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