POONCH: Deputy Commissioner Vikas Kundal today chaired a meeting here in the DC Office to review and discuss important forest-related issues. The Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) apprised the meeting about the functioning and achievements of the Forest Division Poonch. He highlighted that the district covers a geographical area of 1,674 square kilometers, with forested land comprising 951 square kilometers, which is 56% of the total area. The DFO noted that there are three territorial ranges: Haveli, Surankote, and Mendhar.

Key issues discussed included the demarcation of forest boundaries, forest fire management, Forest Rights Act (FRA) cases, and the potential for adventure tourism in designated forest tracks across the district. It was reported that out of 121 total forests, the survey and boundary pillar installation have been completed in 27. Deputy Commissioner Kundal directed the concerned revenue and forest officers to conduct joint surveys during the demarcation process and to expedite the construction of boundary pillars.

The meeting was attended by the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Poonch, the Assistant Commissioner Revenue (ACR), DFO (Territorial), Tehsildars, and all Range 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). “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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