RAJOURI: Deputy Commissioner Rajouri Abhishek Sharma today chaired a meeting to review the feasibility of projects submitted by nodal officers under Phase-II of the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP-II) for eight identified border villages of the district.

During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed a range of proposed projects aimed at improving infrastructure, livelihood opportunities and tourism potential in the border villages. The projects discussed included the plantation of fruit-bearing plants, tourist homestays, motorable bridges, wool processing units, milk storage units and milk processing units.

Emphasising the need for an integrated approach towards dairy development, the DC directed the officers concerned to explore the establishment of a common milk processing unit for four Vibrant Villages—Sarya, Bhawani, Pukhrani and Kalal to ensure the optimum utilisation of resources and enhanced benefits to local dairy farmers.

The Deputy Commissioner also reviewed proposals for the development of a multipurpose stadium with a running track and the establishment of a pine needle collection unit for manufacturing cricket wickets, aimed at generating employment opportunities while promoting the sustainable utilisation of local resources.

Stressing the importance of promoting eco-friendly tourism, the DC directed the departments concerned to include eco-tourism camping sites in the project proposals to harness the untapped tourism potential of the area.

The feasibility of various projects proposed for Chowkian, Chappardhara and Loharkota was also reviewed in detail, with directions issued for the timely submission of viable, need-based proposals.

The Deputy Commissioner further directed all district officers to undertake field visits to the Vibrant Villages and ensure 100 percent saturation of all eligible beneficiaries under centrally sponsored schemes. He instructed the designated nodal officers to submit detailed reports regarding the functioning and service delivery status of different departments for effective monitoring and intervention.

Among those present were Additional District Development Commissioner Malikzada Sheraz-ul-Haq, Additional Deputy Commissioner Ravi Kumar Sihag, Additional Deputy Commissioner Ramkesh Sharma, Programme Officer (ICDS) Harpal Singh, Chief Planning Officer Maqsood Ahmed, Assistant Commissioner Development Auqil Naveed, Chief Education Officer Mohammad Hafeez, District Social Welfare Officer Abdul Raheem, Superintending Engineer (PWD), Chief Horticulture Officer, Chief Agriculture Officer, District Youth Services and Sports Officer, Divisional Forest Officers and Block Development 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). 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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