JAMMU: Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC), in collaboration with the Urban Forest Division Jammu, today launched a plantation drive at the municipal dumping site at Kot Bhalwal. The initiative was inaugurated by JMC Commissioner Dr Devansh Yadav and aims to plant 5,000 saplings in and around the site to create a green buffer zone and improve environmental conditions. The drive is being undertaken under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).

Under the programme, a dense urban forest will be developed using the Miyawaki Method, a technique that facilitates rapid growth of native plant species and creates a self-sustaining ecosystem. Nearly 70% of the bioremediation work at the Kot Bhalwal dumpsite has already been completed under Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban 2.0, with the remaining work targeted for completion within the next two months. The plantation drive complements the ongoing remediation efforts and reflects JMC's commitment to converting environmentally stressed sites into productive and sustainable spaces.

Commissioner JMC Dr Devansh Yadav stated that the plantation of 5,000 saplings would help rejuvenate the area, strengthen the local ecosystem and gradually transform the surroundings into a sustainable green zone.

Among those present were Joint Commissioner Health and Sanitation (H&S) Abdul Sattar, Health Officer Dr Shahid Hussain, Municipal Veterinary Officer (MVO) Dr Jaswant Singh, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Ashwani Kumar and Assistant Floriculture Officer (AFO) Dr Rabia Khan, along with other officers and officials of JMC and the Urban Forest Division.

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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