SRINAGAR: Commissioner Secretary Tourism, Yasha Mudgal, today chaired a meeting at Civil Secretariat here, to discuss various issues of Houseboat Owners Association. The meeting was attended by Director Tourism Kashmir, Director Planning Tourism Department, Additional Secretary, Deputy Secretary and representatives of Houseboat Owners.

 The Commissioner Secretary said that the department is aware of the concerns of the houseboat owners and steps are afoot to resolve those on priority. She said that the government is committed to promote the interests of all stakeholders and houseboat owners are key stakeholders in the framework. While crediting the success of the tourism to joint initiatives by stakeholders and the department, Mudgal said that constant and structured consultations on issues are the way to work out solutions and enhance the standards of the tourism sector.

The session facilitated open dialogue with houseboat representatives calling for framing a comprehensive policy for safeguarding the houseboats and run their business in a sustainable manner under single window system. They also raised issues such as renewal of license, repair/reconstruction of houseboats, rehabilitation of houseboat owners, allotment of timber, counter at airport and railway station.

They demanded grant of trekking permission for the houseboat owners as per past practice, besides projecting need of fire service station at Nigeen Lake, boat yards besides declaration of houseboats as heritage. Yasha Mudgal assured all support to them in addressing their genuine issues and grievances.

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

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following šŸ‘‡