JAMMU: J&K Biodiversity Council (J&KBC) held its 5th Meeting under the Chairmanship of Suresh Kumar Gupta, Principal Chief Conservator & HoFF who is also Chairman of said Council. The Council reviewed the action taken on decisions taken in the previous meeting besides the agenda items listed for the meetingwere discussed and decisions were taken. 

The Chairman expressed satisfaction about progress of updation of People Biodiversity Registers and e-dashboard, and further asked for ensuring the completion of updation during this year. It was also informed that J&K Biodiversity Council has already entered into MoUs with SKUAST Jammu and Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University. Besides, Council is also working on signing of MoUs with other Universities and institutes in J&K.

During the meeting, Biodiversity Strategy & Action Plan for J&K also came under discussion and it was informed that in compliance to directions of Chief Secretary, J&K, the plan is being revisited for making it more practicable and action oriented. Council also took note of opening of bank accounts of Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) and it was advised to ensure that required bank accounts of all the BMCs are opened and made operational during current year.

Council also discussed progress with respect to mechanism for Access Benefit Sharing (ABS) with BMCs and it was decided that help of Industries department, Pollution Control Committee and AYUSH department shall be taken for getting the information about the industries utilizing bio-resources.

Council also took note of report of Sub-Committee regarding Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHSs) and it was decided that Sub-Committee shall reconvene a meeting to list the potential sites so that field visits for ground truthing can be arranged. With regard to strengthening of Council, it was mentioned that the same shall be considered by department in its restructuring proposal so that adequate manpower is arranged for effective working of Council.

Members also suggested for institution of awards for BMCs which perform exemplary to encourage them and create sense of competition and appreciation among them. The meeting of J&K Biodiversity Council was attended by Sarvesh Rai, Chief Wildlife Warden, J&K, J. Frankoi,  Director, JKFRI/Member Secretary, J&K Biodiversity Council, T. Rabi Kumar, PCCF/CEO, CAMPA, Dr. K. Anandh, CCF, Central, Waseem Raja, Addl. Secretary, Rural Development Department, Vivek Modi, Spl. Secretary (Technical), Forest Department.

The Non official members included Dr. C.M. Seth, (Retd.), Prof. Sajad Ahmad Gangoo, Dean Faculty of Forestry, SKUAST, Kmr., Dr.Anzar Ahmad Khuroo, Deptt. of Botany, University of Kashmir and Prof.Yash Pal Sharma, Deptt. of Botany, University of Jammu besides officers/officials of JKFRI/J&K Biodiversity Council.

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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