POONCH: District Development Commissioner Poonch Ashok Kumar Sharma today visited the flash flood-affected villages of Hari-Marhote in Tehsil Surankote to assess the damage caused by the recent calamity and review the relief, rescue and restoration measures being undertaken by the district administration.

The DDC reached the affected area early in the morning, accompanied by SDM Surankote Mohammed Farooq Khan, Assistant Commissioner (Development) Shakeel Ahmed, Executive Engineers of PWD (R&B), Jal Shakti Department and Irrigation & Flood Control, besides other officers concerned.

He inspected the damage to roads, shops, school buildings, protection bunds along the riverbed, agricultural land, standing crops, horticulture, irrigation channels and other public and private infrastructure. He also interacted with affected families and local residents, heard their grievances and obtained first-hand feedback on the losses suffered and the immediate requirements of the people.

The DDC sought detailed reports from the departments concerned on the extent of damage, the progress of restoration works and the measures being taken to restore normalcy in the affected villages. He directed all departments to work in close coordination and restore damaged roads, public utilities and other essential infrastructure immediately so that public inconvenience is minimised. He issued on-the-spot directions to the officers concerned to expedite restoration works on priority and instructed SDM Surankote to personally monitor the relief and restoration operations and ensure inter-departmental coordination for the timely completion of all works.

The DDC assured the affected families that the district administration stands firmly with them and that all possible assistance, as per the prescribed norms, will be extended to the affected households. He reiterated that every genuine case of damage would be assessed properly and relief provided without delay.

Meanwhile, the district administration has remained on alert continuously for the past five days, since the flash floods struck the subdivision. Senior officers and field functionaries have been working round the clock, moving from village to village and house to house to assess the situation, rescue stranded persons wherever required, document losses, provide immediate relief, restore essential services and ensure that no affected family is left unattended. Teams from various departments have maintained a constant field presence despite difficult weather and terrain to facilitate relief, rehabilitation and restoration works at the earliest. The DDC appreciated the efforts of all departments, field staff and emergency response teams engaged in the relief operations.

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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