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  • Commits sustained action against drugs; support to WPRs, DPs for conferment of ownership rights

JAMMU: District Development Commissioner (DDC) Dr Rakesh Minhas chaired Block Diwas at Bhalwal on Wednesday, hearing out grievances of the residents and issuing directions to officers on several pending development works.

Among the announcements, he sanctioned Rs 20 lakh additional funds for urgent development works in block schools. The grant, he said, would cover immediate development needs of local schools, including ground preparation at Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS) Gharota. For Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV), he directed PDD functionaries to take up upgradation of the power transformer.

He informed the gathering that the tender for Ghaink-Aghore road has been issued and that work on some of the vital roads in the block is set to commence tomorrow. Demands for development of ponds were noted. The ACP was directed to inspect the sites. Health-related concerns and a request for improvement of the local playfield were also taken on record, with necessary directions issued.

The DDC referred to the ongoing Nasha Mukt JK Abhiyan, noting that structures built with proceeds of the drug trade continue to be demolished, with 40 residential and commercial structures razed in the district so far. He asked the public to remain vigilant and report drug-related information.

Responding to other demands, he said a procedure has already been started to resolve issues related to ration cards. On PDD and Jal Shakti Mission grievances, he said the Gharota tubewell, ready for operation, would be made functional through alternative arrangements.

Tehsildar Bhalwal was directed to facilitate conferring of ownership rights on West Pakistan Refugees and Displaced Persons of 1965 & 1971. He said last year's flood-related compensation has been paid, with further compensation to follow as per government directions. Issues concerning the local shamshan ghat, patwarkhana and local transport were also addressed.

Major issues raised included PMGSY road repairs, power outages affecting water supply, pond development, health services and school upgradation. ADDC Sher Singh, SDM Jammu North Dr Deepak Kumar, CPO Ajaypal Singh, Assistant Commissioner Development Danish Rasool, Assistant Commissioner Panchayats, Block Development Officer and other district officers attended, along with a large turnout of residents and former public representatives.

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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