JAMMU: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha on Monday chaired the 6th meeting of Wildlife Board for the UT of J&K, at Lok Bhavan. The meeting was attended by Shri Javed Ahmed Rana, Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs Departments; Dr. Devinder Kumar Manyal and Shri Mian Mehar Ali, Members of Legislative Assembly; Shri Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor; Ms. Sheetal Nanda, Commissioner Secretary to Government, Forest, Ecology & Environment; Shri Suresh Kumar Gupta, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & HoFF; Shri Sarvesh Rai, PCCF / Chief Wildlife Warden, J&K; Shri Sujit Kumar, IGP Security; eminent Conservationists, Ecologists, Environmentalists, representatives of  Army and NGOs dealing with Wildlife, and other board members.

The Board, which met under the chairmanship of Lieutenant Governor, accorded wildlife clearance to several projects and recommended some proposals to National Board of Wildlife for final approval. These included projects of 4G-saturation, Jal Jeevan Mission, re-alignment of transmission lines, setting up of border security posts, development of horticulture nursery and installation of avalanche warning systems.

The Board was apprised about various conservation and habitat improvement activities of the department. This includes measures taken in handling of human-wild animal conflict, establishment of rescue centres and habitat restoration works of wetlands. The Lieutenant Governor called for prioritizing sustainable management of biodiversity and conservation of wildlife habitats.

He emphasised on promotional activities, particularly among school children, for major projects like Jambu Zoo, Hokersar and Gharana Wetland. He also asked to provide public transport to these destinations to promote eco-tourism. The efforts made by department in operationalization of Hangul Breeding Centre at Tral were also presented during the meeting. The Board noted with satisfaction the increasing trend of population of Hangul from 127 in 2008 to 323 in 2025 census.

The meeting also discussed the damage to agricultural crops by Wild Boar, Blue Bull and monkeys. The Board desired to explore the possibility of compensating farmers’ losses caused by wild animals. Documentaries showing restoration works in Hokersar and Gharana Wetland Conservation Reserves and operationalization of Hangul Breeding Centre were screened.

Various publications of the department included Wildlife Calendar 2026; a coffee table book on wildlife of J&K-a journey through protected wilderness; a book titled ā€œThe Bounty of Pir Panjal-a journey through its flora and faunaā€ and a report on first time discovery of Hedgehog in J&K were also released.

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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