In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
  • Focus on convergence, scientific planning & community participation

BUDGAM: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Budgam Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, today chaired a comprehensive review meeting on the implementation and progress of Jal Shakti Abhiyan:Catch the Rain 2025 and Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) 2.0.

At the outset, a detailed presentation was given outlining the background, objectives, themes, and focused interventions under the ongoing campaign. The meeting deliberated on the theme for 2025 “Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari: Jan Jagrukta Ki Or Conservation towards Intensified Community Connect Campaign”  with special focus on strengthening water security through community participation and convergence of departmental efforts.

The DC took a comprehensive review of works uploaded on the Jal Shakti Abhiyan portal and was informed that 61 works under JSJB 2.0 have been completed and uploaded till 15-02-2026. These include water conservation structures, recharge works, check dams, afforestation measures, catchment protection activities, and rejuvenation of traditional water bodies across various blocks of the district including Khag, Khan-Sahib, Surasyar, Pakherpora, Sukhnag and Beerwah.

The meeting highlighted the special initiative under JSA-CTR 2025  ‘Jal-Jungle-Jan: Ek Prakritik Bandhan Abhiyan’, focusing on mapping of forest springs, protection of catchment areas, and forest community engagement in river basins including the Jhelum basin.

The DC directed all line departments including Forest, Jal Shakti, Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, Agriculture, I&FC, School Education, Social Welfare, and Housing & Urban Development to ensure adherence to timeline, proper geo-tagging of all assets, convergent financing and optimal utilization of funds, prioritisation of water conservation works under MGNREGA as per notified percentage norms, saturation of rooftop rainwater harvesting structures in schools and Anganwadi centres.

The DC directed for intensified afforestation in catchment areas. He stressed on awareness on generation through Gram Sabhas and youth engagement. He emphasized that water conservation must become a mass movement and stressed upon strengthening the functioning of the Jal Shakti Kendra established in the district to act as a nodal coordination centre.

The DC directed all the concerned department to work in a coordinated and mission-mode manner to make Budgam a model district in water conservation and sustainable resource management. Besides , SE Hydraulics Circle Budgam, GM DIC Budgam, CPO Budgam , SDM Beerwah , CHO , executive engineers of Jal Shakti department, all BDOs and other concerned officials were present in the meeting.

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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