• District admin targets to Plant 25,000 trees over 280 kanal land area

KISHTWAR: In a significant step towards increasing the green cover and enhancing the ecological balance, Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Kumar Shavan today laid the foundation for the prestigious City Forest Project situated near Kishtwar Town. The foundation ceremony featured the launching of a massive plantation drive under the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam". The drive was inaugurated by the Deputy Commissioner.

The City Forest Project will be developed over more than 280 kanal land and with the plantation of over 25,000 trees, along with the sowing of native species. This effort aligns with the administration’s objective to beautify Kishtwar while simultaneously preserving the environment.

The concept of creating a Nagar Van (City Forest) at the entry point near Shalimar was conceived by the Deputy Commissioner as part of his vision to mitigate the environmental impacts caused by the many hydroelectric power projects in the district. This project is expected to not only improve local air quality but also provide a recreational space for the residents of Kishtwar.

Key focus areas of the project include large-scale plantation, habitat creation, and the enhancement of green cover. These efforts will contribute significantly to the overall well-being of the local ecosystem. The project is being supported by the technical expertise of the Forest Department in convergence with the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) for digging and plantation activities, while the Municipality of Kishtwar will assist with cleanliness and sanitation.

The City Forest is set to become a vital environmental asset for Kishtwar, benefiting both the local community and the region’s ecological sustainability. ACR Kishtwar Idrees Lone, ACD Kishtwar Phulail Singh, DFO Kishtwar Vijay Verma, Dy.Registrar Cooperative/EO MC Kishtwar Mirza Mumtaz Iqbal, Tehsildar Kishtwar Nirbhay Sharma, BDO Kishtwar and staff from RDD, Municipality, Forest and others were present on the occasion.

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
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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