• DC deputes Officers’ Team to promote Aadi Karmayogi Abhiyan activities

RAJOURI: To mark World Tourism Day, the Directorate of Tourism, Jammu, in collaboration with District Administration Rajouri, organised a three-day trekking expedition from Budhal to Samarthsar to showcase adventure tourism and scenic potential of Budhal—an emerging off-beat tourist destination.

Around 50 trekkers, including district officers, doctors, local trekking enthusiasts, actively participated in the expedition. The programme also served as an awareness drive for locals and youth, focusing on registration of residential houses as homestays, grooming youth as tourist guides and scope for promoting adventure Tourism.

The trekking route passes through numerous picturesque spots such as Gabbar, Bathan, Guleri, Gambiri Gali, Rich Bagla, Banj, Samarthsar, Saverimarg, Nagini and Kalhar. An overnight camping halt was organised at Samarthsar, featuring cultural programmes, homestay registration and Swachhta activities. The morning began with the singing of the National Anthem, resonating with patriotic fervour.

At the peak of Samarthsar, trekkers cherished panoramic views of the Pir Panjal range, including the majestic Dakhyar Peak—the highest in the region—and pristine alpine lakes like Bagh Sar. Bagh Sar, in particular, fascinated trekkers with its unique freshwater streams flowing towards the Ans River on one side and Kalhar on the other.

Additionally, Deputy Commissioner Rajouri Abhishek Sharma deputed the Chief Planning Officer, District Social Welfare Officer, Block Development Officer, Doctors and other officers to interact with nomadic communities in the hilly areas to rope in them for Aadi Karmayogi Abhiyan.

The outreach aimed to institutionalise grassroots leadership, strengthen governance in tribal areas, conduct gap analysis to improve public services delivery in health, education and welfare, also to ensure inclusive development and enhance grievance redressal and citizen engagement.

The expedition was described as a resounding success, effectively showcasing Budhal’s untapped potential for adventure and eco-tourism. Chief Planning Office Maqsood Ahmed coordinated the expedition as the overall incharge, while AD Tourism Mumtaz Ahmed facilitated the arrangements. District and sectoral officers also took part in the event.

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 👇