KATHUA: Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Rajesh Sharma, chaired a crucial meeting today in the conference hall of the DC Office Complex to review measures for safeguarding public health in the wake of relentless rains and flash floods. The DC directed the Jal Shakti Department to intensify water quality testing through laboratory teams and field workers, ensure repeated sanitation of water sources and carry out widespread public awareness drives using mobile vans and radio jingles.

The Health & Medical Education Department was asked to promptly alert communities about waterborne diseases, conduct necessary investigations and promote safe water consumption and hygiene practices. Stressing on community participation, the DC called for the Rural Development Department to organize special sanitation campaigns in villages, focusing on traditional water sources and educating people on water, sanitation and hygiene standards.

Directions were also issued for the Higher/School Education Department to conduct demonstration sessions of water quality testing in schools and colleges and sensitize students on preventive health measures. The Social Welfare Department was told to carry out water quality tests at Anganwadi centers and promote common WASH practices, along with special sanitation drives.

The DC further highlighted the importance of intensive and frequent water testing in flood-affected, landslide-prone and rehabilitation areas, with prompt public display of test results to build confidence. To strengthen outreach, mobile awareness vans will circulate information on safe water storage and consumption, while timely health advisories will be issued through print, electronic and social media to keep the public alert and informed. All activities are to be conducted in accordance with Jal Jeevan Mission guidelines.

Emphasizing the need for a proactive and coordinated response, the DC directed all departments to implement assigned roles on priority to curb the threat of water contamination and prevent health hazards across the district. ADDC Kathua Surinder Mohan, ADC Vishavjeet Singh, CPO Ranjit Thakur, ACD Akhil Sadotra and district officers from all concerned departments were also present.

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

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following šŸ‘‡