POONCH: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today undertook a comprehensive tour of landslide-affected areas of Surankote and Mendhar subdivisions of Poonch district. The visit was held with an aim to assess on-ground damage, oversee restoration efforts and ensure immediate relief and rehabilitation measures for affected communities.

Accompanied by senior officials of the District Administration and engineers from line departments, the Minister conducted site visits along the Surankote–Jharanwali–Mendhar Road, inspecting landslide-impacted areas in Jarranwali Gali, Phambranarh, and Narh. The Minister also held a detailed review at major landslide sites of Surhoti as well as near Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV), Surankote, where infrastructure and public connectivity has been severely disrupted.

He directed all concerned departments, including PWD, RDD and Disaster Management authorities, to initiate immediate damage assessment and undertake swift restoration of public infrastructure. He emphasized upon the officers to adopt coordinated inter-departmental approach to ensure relief reaches every affected soul without any delay.

ā€œThe Government stands firmly with the people in this hour of need,ā€ the Minister said, assuring affected families that the Omar Abdullah-led Government will provide all necessary assistance to help them recover and rebuild their lives. Earlier Rana also visited Jogger Park, located near the Sher-e-Kashmir Bridge in Poonch town and directed the Irrigation & Flood Control (I&FC) Department to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the upgradation and extension of the jogging track up to the Police Lines.

He instructed for installation of a synthetic surface to provide residents with a modern fitness facility set against the picturesque riverfront, aiming to promote a healthier lifestyle for all age groups. The Minister also visited Miran Public School in Janyar Dingla, where he engaged with students, teaching faculty and the school management.

Interacting with the young learners, Rana highlighted the transformative power of education and its role in shaping a progressive and equitable society. ā€œEducation is the strongest tool for empowerment,ā€ he stated, reaffirming the Government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring quality education is accessible to all, particularly in remote and rural regions.

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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