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KISHTWAR: Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma today finalised and approved the rates for land being acquired for construction of the Power House Site, Dumping Site and Road in connection with the 260 MW (2x130 MW) Dulhasti Stage-II Hydroelectric Project being executed by NHPC.

A meeting for the fixation and approval of rates for land acquired by NHPC for the project was held in the meeting hall under the chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioner in the presence of the Collectors concerned and senior officers.

The meeting considered the fixation of rates for 125 Kanals 15½ Marlas of un-irrigated land situated in villages Kishtwar, Pochhal and Palmar acquired for construction of the Power House Site, Dumping Site and Road for the Dulhasti Stage-II HE Project.

The case was examined with reference to the relevant revenue records, material available on the case file, the average sale rates of land for the preceding three years in the villages concerned and the Stamp Duty rates notified for the year 2026.

The rates proposed by the Collector Land Acquisition were based on the notified Stamp Duty rates for 2026, after due consideration of the relevant revenue records and other material available on the case file, in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (RFCTLARR) Act, 2013, particularly the provisions governing determination of market value.

After detailed deliberations, the Collectors present in the meeting concurred with and approved the rates proposed by the Collector Land Acquisition. Accordingly, the approved rates for the un-irrigated land were fixed as Village Kishtwar: ā‚¹22.73 lakh per Kanal, Village Pochhal: ā‚¹22.30 lakh per Kanal and Village Palmar: ā‚¹3.82 lakh per Kanal.

It was further recorded that the aforesaid rates shall constitute the approved market value/rate for the purpose of preparation and finalisation of the Award, subject to determination and payment of compensation strictly in accordance with the applicable provisions of the RFCTLARR Act, 2013, the rules made thereunder and other applicable Government instructions and orders.

The statutory components of compensation, including the applicable factor, solatium, additional amount and the value of structures, trees and other assets, wherever admissible, shall be assessed and dealt with separately in accordance with law.

The meeting also took note of the acquisition proceedings, wherein the Preliminary Notification under Section 11, the Declaration under Section 19 and the Tentative Award under the RFCTLARR Act, 2013 have been issued.

Among those present were ADC Pawan Kotwal, ACR Idrees Lone, SDM Marwah Dr Mohammad Ashraf, SDM Paddar Dr Amit Kumar, SDM Chatroo Nayeem Ur Rehman and HoP Dulhasti Stage-II HEP ShivNath Kumar, besides other officers and staff concerned.

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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