KISHTWAR:  District Development Commissioner (DC), Pankaj Kumar Sharma chaired a meeting today to review and discuss key heritage conservation and restoration projects proposed under the Scheme - Revival, Restoration, Preservation and Maintenance of Architecture & Heritage of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.

During the meeting, the officers deliberated on multiple heritage and religious infrastructure projects including the preservation of Sai Draman heritage site at Bhaguna Panchayat Block Nagseni, preservation of Bhatan Dimiji Buddhist Site at Nagseni Doda, renovation and restoration of Devigol Jwala Mata Temple along with the holy spring at Bunjwah, revival and restoration of Raghunathji Temple at Kishtwar and construction of a Dramshalla at Haloti (Machail) in the Padder region.

The aim of these projects is to preserve the historical, spiritual, and cultural identity of Kishtwar while promoting heritage-based tourism. The DC directed the PWD (R&B) Department to undertake the construction of buildings, boundary fencing and footpath tiling strictly in accordance with the notified architectural guidelines.

He directed that all development works must align with the traditional archaeological patterns and historical aesthetics of the respective heritage sites, ensuring structural resemblance and authenticity are preserved while executing the works in a planned manner.

The DDC directed the concerned engineering wings of PWD (R&B) Divisions Kishtwar and Padder to ensure timely and detailed execution plans with a special focus on maintaining aesthetic harmony, structural sustainability, environmental sensitivity, sanctity and the cultural essence of the identified heritage assets.

Emphasizing the significance of conserving heritage infrastructure, the DDC stated that the preservation of these important cultural landmarks will contribute to the socio-cultural development of the region while enhancing its religious tourism potential.

The meeting was attended by ADC Kishtwar, Pawan Kotwal, CPO Kishtwar Akhil Thakur, CEO Municipal Council Kishtwar Mirza Mumtaz Iqbal, ExEn PWD (R&B) Kishtwar Ravinder Verma, AEE PWD (R&B) Padder and other concerned officers.

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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