KISHTWAR: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Rajesh Kumar Shavan on Wednesday conducted a comprehensive review of the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) implementation in the district while chairing a multi department meeting. The Chief Executive Officer Kishtwar Development Authority, ACD and Executive Engineer PWD were directed to install male and female toilets, benches, and a kiosk near the FCI Store in Kuleed under the Town Beautification initiative.

Additionally, the DC discussed the action plan for maintaining clean, hygienic and plastic-free conditions in townships and rural areas. He directed the EO Municipality, NHIDCL, GREF, and Rural Development Department to carry out the immediate desilting of drains in the town and surrounding areas, stressing the need for a modular and proactive approach while encouraging full community cooperation in rural areas.

The ACD and Municipality authorities were instructed to submit a list of both functional and non-functional toilets along with a list of Non-Functioning street lights both in the towns and rural areas. NHIDCL was directed to inspect the working of streetlights from Hasti to Malipeth and repair any non-functional units. Furthermore, they were instructed to construct drains from Thathri to Sinthan Top to prevent water stagnation on roads, while GREF was instructed to construct drains from Kuleed to Sansari Nallah.

The DC also emphasized the aesthetic beautification of public spaces and key crossings across the district, such as Hidyal Chowk, Viewpoint Malipeth and Bindraban. The meeting decided to create Selfie points at these sites. A committee headed by ACR and comprising GREF officials was formed to oversee removal of encroachments obstructing drainage from Kuleed Chowk to 5RR.

To enforce SBM guidelines, the DC set a target of achieving 100% whitewashing in the district. He also called for imposing fine on shops, establishments and dhabas that fail to whitewash their shutters. NHIDCL and GREF were directed to ensure uniform drain lengths and to repair potholes after completing drain cleaning in a time bound manner.

The discussion also included operation of community toilets in the town, removal of illegal and outdated hoardings, and overall sanitation improvements. The meeting was attended by ADC Pawan Kotwal, CEO KDA Rishi Kumar Sharma, ACR Idrees Lone, ACD Phulail Singh, EO Municipality/Deputy Registrar Cooperative Mirza Mumtaz Iqbal, BDOs, Executive Engineers of PMGSY, PWD and representatives from FSSAI, Health, GREF and NHIDCL.

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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