AWANTIPORA: As a pre-cursor to World Environment Day 2025 celebrations scheduled for 5th of June, 2025, the Department of Environment, Sustainability and Climate Change, IUST, in collaboration with the Dept. of Ecology, Environment & Remote Sensing, J&K Govt., Municipal Committee, Tral and Municipal Committee, Awantipora town organized a series of awareness programmes under the national theme “One Nation, One Mission – End Plastic Pollution.”

The programmes included Inter-University painting competition, in which students from SKUAST-Kashmir, Cluster University Srinagar, Kashmir University and IUST translated their creative expressions on evils of plastic pollution on the canvas followed by inter university debate in the afternoon session where students from these universities debated the evils of plastic pollution and way forward to align with this years selected theme.

Besides, a mass cleanliness drive was kick started by Professor Abdul Wahid Makhdoomi, Registrar in presence of Mr. Rafi Ahmad Bhat, Regional Director (K), DEERS, Mushtaq Ahmad Lone, Addl. Dy. Commissioner, Awantipora, Professor Humayun Rashid, Mr. Sameer Wazir, Finance Officer, Dr. S. Iqbal Qureshi, Dy. Registrar (Estates), Dr. Asifa Mehraj Baba (Dean of Students, IUST), Dr. Sumaira Nazir Zaz, Coordinator, DESCC, Dr. Dharam Chand, Coordinator Biodiversity & Aromatic Park, Dr. Yasir Altaf, Assistant Professor, Dr. Zubair Dar, Assistant Professor and other faculty members and staff of Estates wing of the University.

The activity witnessed active participation from students, faculty members, school children and staff of Municipal Committee, Awantipora generating mass awareness for collective action against plastic waste. All these events reflected IUST’s strong commitment towards promoting environmental responsibility to align with United Nations Sustainable Development goals.

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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