KATHUA: As part of the public outreach effort of the District Administration, Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Dr. Rakesh Minhas on Wednesday presided over a Block Diwas program at   Khokhyal in Nagri Block. The event witnessed the participation of a large number of locals and officials, including DDC Nagri Sandeep Majotra, CPO, ACR, ACD, and other district and sectoral officers.

The local residents raised wide range of issues of public importance, emphasizing the need for the completion of the Check Dam in Khokhyal, the establishment of an Animal Husbandry Centre and an Agriculture Centre, the widening of the Changrah-Nagri Road, completion of water supply schemes, and addressing the growing concern of drug abuse in the area.

DDC Sandeep Majotra presented additional demands, seeking connectivity under the PMGSY scheme, canal channelization and the establishment of a separate ration depot in Khokhyal.

Dr. Rakesh Minhas assured the attendees that their concerns would be addressed promptly, directing the concerned departments to employ immediate interventions where feasible. He highlighted the ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure in the Nagri Block, noting that mining-affected areas have been approved for development projects worth Rs. 41 lakh, including additional classrooms at GMS Pandori and NPS Majra. He also emphasized the administration’s commitment to taking up further development projects in the region.

Addressing specific demands, Dr. Minhas directed the District Animal Husbandry Officer to establish a functional Animal Husbandry Centre in Khokhyal with dedicated staff. He also informed the public that the process of setting up a Kisan Khidmat Centre is underway, with plans to inaugurate it within a month to provide seeds, fertilizers, and other agricultural services. He encouraged farmers to adopt Nano Urea to maximize land yield.

Regarding the widening of the Changrah-Nagri Road, the Deputy Commissioner stated that the Border Roads Organization (BRO) has been engaged, and the project will address frequent road accidents upon completion. On the matter of the Check Dam, Dr. Minhas instructed the XEN Irrigation to devise a viable solution by visiting the site and consulting all stakeholders to enhance the irrigation facilities in the area.

The Deputy Commissioner also addressed concerns about high power bills, advising farmers to consider solar motors, which come with substantial government subsidies, eliminating electricity costs.

Speaking on the important issue of Drug Menace in the areas of Nagri, the DC called upon all inhabitants especially women to come forward for sharing information of people indulged in dealing/ selling Drugs and other narcotics. He said Kathua Administration has taken the stance of zero tolerance against the perpetrators of Drug Menace, and strict punishment will be ensured for those involved in it.

Earlier, XEN PHE assured the community that six out of eleven ongoing water supply schemes under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) would be completed by December, significantly improving the water supply in Khokhyal and surrounding areas.

During the event, Dr. Minhas inspected various departmental stalls set up to inform the public about government schemes and programs. The Deputy Commissioner emphasized the administration’s commitment to development and urged the community to take advantage of available resources for their welfare.

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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