KISHTWAR: In pursuance to the directions of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir UT, Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Pankaj Kumar Sharma today chaired a meeting to review and implement the campaign for the prevention of water-borne diseases and intensification of water quality testing in flood and landslide affected areas across the district. The stakeholder departments were asked to start the campaign aligning with the guidelines issued by the General Administration Department.

The campaign will run for 15 days, starting from September 4, 2025 across the district. The DC instructed the Executive Engineer Jal Shakti to chalk out a calendar for conducting intensive water quality testing in flood- and landslide-affected areas, in collaboration with field-level workers. These testing will be done at the 3 laboratories functioning in three Subdivisions of Chatroo, Paddar and Dachan, besides the NABL accredited laboratory at the district level.

The testing will be conducted with a special focus on the recently flood-affected zones, including Chisoti, Margi, Mughal Maidan and landslide-affected areas. The public awareness campaign will be conducted through announcements and mobile vans, along with preparing audio jingles and messages for circulation among other departments.

The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Kishtwar was directed to alert people about water-borne diseases, issue timely health advisories, promote preventive healthcare and generate awareness about the importance of safe water consumption. The Programme Officer ICDS and the Rural Development Department were instructed to organize special sanitation drives in villages, Anganwadi Centres and at traditional water sources, particularly in flood-affected areas.

The PO ICDS was further directed to ensure that Anganwadi Workers conduct water sampling, promote hand-washing practices in flood- and landslide-affected areas and sensitize the public about WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) practices, along with conducting sanitation drives in Anganwadi Centres. The School Education Department was asked to conduct demonstrations of water quality testing and sensitize students about WASH practices.

Awareness measures will be amplified through print, electronic, and social media, as well as through jingles and audio/video messages on FM radio and TV channels. The campaign will particularly focus on flood-affected, landslide-affected, inundated and rehabilitation zones, with regular monitoring at the district level to ensure effective implementation. PO ICDS Kishtwar Rishi Kumar Sharma, CPO Kishtwar Akhil Thakur, DSWO Kishtwar Zubair Ahmed, CMO Kishtwar Dr. Rajinder Kumar, CEO Kishtwar Sanjay Dogra, ExEn Jal Shakti Kishtwar Sanjeev Kumar Gupta besides other Senior Officers were present during the meeting.

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

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