JAMMU: In a landmark move towards integrating cutting-edge geospatial technology in forest governance, the Jammu & Kashmir Forest Department organized a Hands-on Training cum Workshop on Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) here at the Forest Resource Management Centre (FRMC), Narwal, today. The workshop witnessed enthusiastic participation from forest field staff of both Territorial and Non-Territorial divisions falling under the East Circle, Jammu.

The event was held under the guidance and presence of senior leadership from the department. The workshop was inaugurated and led by PCCF & Head of Forest Force (HoFF), J&K Forest Department, Suresh Kumar Gupta, alongside other dignitaries including T. Rabi Kumar, PCCF & CEO J&K CAMPA, Chaturbhuja Behera, APCCF & Director JKFRI, M.K. Kumar, CCF Jammu and other senior officers.

The dignitaries collectively stressed on the strategic importance of DGPS technology in modern forest management. Speaking on the occasion, Sh. Gupta highlighted that DGPS equipment enables high-precision geospatial mapping with millimeter-level accuracy, which is indispensable for accurate demarcation of forest boundaries, detection and prevention of encroachments and effective resolution of land-related disputes and court cases.

The workshop was technically conducted by a specialized team from M/s MAPPA, a reputed geospatial solutions provider, under the leadership of Niten Patial, CEO, MAPPA. The training included a detailed presentation on the functionality, field application and data acquisition techniques of DGPS devices, followed by a comprehensive hands-on field training session, allowing forest staff to practically engage with the technology on-ground.

This initiative marks a historic milestone for the J&K Forest Department, as it becomes the first and only department in the Union Territory to have successfully procured and operationalized DGPS devices for its field operations. This adoption is set to revolutionize forest conservation, scientific demarcation and landscape-level planning.

By equipping its field personnel with advanced tools and knowledge, the department has reaffirmed its commitment to transparent, accountable and technology-driven governance of forest resources. The precision mapping enabled by DGPS will also significantly contribute to biodiversity protection, ecosystem integrity and legal safeguards for forest land. The workshop concluded with a vote of thanks and a strong resolve from all participants to implement the learnings in their respective jurisdictions.

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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