• Directs for ensuring zero tolerance to illegal mining in district

BUDGAM: An Inter-Departmental District Level meeting was today convened under the chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioner(DC) Budgam, Athar Aamir Khan  to review, assess, and strengthen the regulatory and monitoring mechanisms for mineral extraction and transportation in the district. During the meeting, a review of the existing enforcement framework was undertaken and the functioning of various departments involved in mineral regulation was assessed in detail.

The DC directed the Irrigation and Flood Control Department, Budgam, to maintain strict vigil over Nallah Sukhnag, Doodhganga, and Shaliganga and other nallah’s of the District to ensure that no illegal extraction of minerals takes place from these water bodies. The District Mineral Officer (DMO), Budgam, was directed to further strengthen the vigilance and ensure real-time monitoring across district. 

The Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO), Budgam, was instructed to initiate strict action against vehicles and  machinery, found involved in illegal mineral extraction and transportation activities. The DC stressed that illegal mining and unauthorized transportation of minerals shall not be tolerated under any circumstances and reiterated that a zero-tolerance policy shall be adopted against all violators.

All Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) were directed to closely monitor incidents of illegal mining within their jurisdictions and ensure prompt legal action against offenders. The R&B Department was directed to closely monitor road infrastructure affected by the movement of overloaded vehicles and to ensure the installation of proper checkpoints and barricades at vulnerable locations.

 The department was further instructed to coordinate with enforcement agencies to prevent damage to public infrastructure caused by illegal mineral transportation. The DC  also directed all concerned departments to ensure time-bound implementation of the decisions taken during the meeting and to submit regular progress reports for review.

He further emphasized that coordinated enforcement drives shall be conducted jointly by all stakeholder departments and accountability shall be fixed in cases of negligence or lapses in enforcement. The DC stated that these measures are aimed at strengthening governance, ensuring regulatory compliance, and protecting the natural resources of the district.

The meeting was attended by ADDC Budgam,Vivek Agarwal; ADC Budgam, ACR Budgam, all SDMs, Divisional Forest Officer, Executive Engineer I&FC, District Mineral Officer, ARTO, representatives of R&B department 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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