RAJOURI: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs and In-charge Minister for District Rajouri, Javed Ahmed Rana, today convened a review meeting with the district officers to assess restoration of essential services in snow-affected areas besides reviewing progress on road clearance operations across the district.

The Minister had a detailed assessment of the measures being undertaken to restore the water supply, electricity and road connectivity in areas impacted by the recent snowfall.

He emphasized the urgency of the situation, directing officers to intensify restoration measures and ensure no habitation is cut off or deprived of basic amenities. He instructed the district administration to deploy additional manpower, machinery and resources as needed, with minimizing public inconvenience as the top priority. He also stressed the importance of coordinated inter-departmental efforts to expedite the restoration work.

District Development Commissioner Rajouri, Abhishek Sharma, briefed the Minister on the ongoing restoration activities, stating that teams from various departments are working round the clock to restore normalcy. He informed that the district administration is closely monitoring the situation to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential services. He added that clearance of tertiary and interior roads is being taken up on priority to improve the accessibility in remote areas.

The Minister also reviewed the progress of developmental activities being executed during the current financial year. Expressing concern over some delays, the Minister directed for expediting pace of execution of all ongoing projects, ensuring timely completion. He stressed that no funds should lapse and regular field inspections, strict monitoring and adherence to timelines is ensured to achieve both physical and financial targets.

During the meeting, the Minister also issued specific direction to the District Development Commissioner to prepare a revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the Ans Canal as a multipurpose project, incorporating provisions for agriculture and irrigation use.  He emphasized that the revised DPR should comprehensively address the irrigation requirements of the farming community and enhance the canal’s utility for sustainable agricultural development in the district.

The District Development Commissioner assured that all projects are under continuous monitoring and clear instructions have been issued to executing agencies to ensure timely completion of works.

Chief Conservator of Forests, Satpal Pukhru, informed the meeting that firewood is being supplied as per the requirements of snow-affected areas. He further assured that the Forest Department will initiate protection and mitigation measures once weather conditions improve, particularly in vulnerable forest zones.

The meeting was attended by senior district officers, including the Chief Conservator of Forests, Superintending Engineer Jal Shakti Rajouri Circle, DFO Rajouri, Ex-Engineer Jal Shakti and other concerned officials.

Pertinently, the In-charge Minister convened the meeting as part of the government’s public-centric governance approach, aimed at reviewing the prevailing situation on ground.

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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