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RAJOURI: Deputy Commissioner Rajouri Abhishek Sharma today chaired a comprehensive review meeting to examine the causes of recent forest fire incidents at different locations and to strengthen preparedness and response mechanisms across the district.

During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed tehsil-wise forest fire incidents and sought detailed feedback from the departments concerned regarding preventive measures, response systems and coordination mechanisms.

Emphasising the importance of timely reporting, the DC directed all officers concerned to strengthen the incident reporting mechanism and ensure prompt dissemination of information. He stressed the need for coordinated efforts among all stakeholders to minimise damage to forests, wildlife and human lives.

To mitigate the risk of forest fires, the Deputy Commissioner directed the Forest Department to establish and maintain fire lines, construct protective ditches and create small water bodies at strategic locations for quick firefighting operations. He also stressed the importance of the systematic collection and disposal of dry pine needles, which act as a major fuel source.

Taking a serious view of recurring fire incidents, Mr Sharma instructed the Divisional Forest Officers to conduct thorough enquiries into all cases and lodge FIRs wherever negligence, deliberate acts or violations are detected.

The Deputy Commissioner also called for extensive public awareness campaigns to educate people about the devastating impact of forest fires on human life, wildlife and the environment. He directed the departments concerned to circulate emergency contact numbers and helpline details widely to facilitate timely reporting.

To enhance grassroots vigilance, Abhishek Sharma directed the activation of Chowkidars, Numberdars and Aabida Mitras, urging them to remain alert. He further instructed the Health Department to keep the nearest health centres fully prepared to handle emergencies.

Among those present were Additional District Development Commissioner Malikzada Sheraz-ul-Haq, Additional Deputy Commissioner Ravi Kumar Sihag, Assistant Commissioner Revenue Mohammad Jahangir Khan, Divisional Forest Officer Naveed Mughal, Divisional Forest Officer Shweta Deoni, Wildlife Warden Nadeem Mirza, Chief Medical Officer Dr Manohar Lal Rana, Executive Engineer (Jal Shakti) Sudesh Kumar, Assistant Director Fisheries Bodh Raj and other district and sectoral 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). 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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