POONCH: Deputy Commissioner Poonch Ashok Kumar Sharma today conducted an extensive visit to the flood-affected area of Kalaban in Sub Division Mendhar, where recent heavy rains have caused severe damage to houses, roads, and other critical infrastructure due to landslides and road sinking. Accompanied by SDM Mendhar Imran Kataria, Executive Engineers, and other concerned officers, the Deputy Commissioner assessed the ground situation and interacted with the affected residents to understand their grievances.

Several families reported the complete or partial collapse of their homes and snapping of essential services such as water and electricity supply. The Deputy Commissioner gave on-spot directions to the concerned departments to restore basic amenities without delay. In a prompt response, the Deputy Commissioner provided relief materials, including tents, ration, medical supplies, and other essential items to the affected families. Compensation was also disbursed to affected families as per the disaster relief norms.

The Deputy Commissioner reassured the people that ā€œno genuine flood-affected family will be left outā€ and reiterated the administration's commitment to provide every possible support in this difficult time.

On the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner met with the Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs Javid Ahmed Rana to discuss relief efforts and the provision of basic amenities for the flood-affected people of Kalaban and to assess the situation on the ground and ensure timely assistance to the residents.

Later, the Deputy Commissioner also visited the Higher Secondary School, Gali Kalaban where he met with the school management to review the condition of the infrastructure. The district administration continues to monitor the situation closely to ensure safety, support, and timely rehabilitation of all affected families.

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). ā€œHis article, ā€˜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.ā€.  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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