JAMMU: To mark World Nature Conservation Day, the Forest Department, in collaboration with members of the Tree Talk Group and Vibe Tribe Club, Jammu organised a Nature Walk and Tree Talk programme in the Sidhra forestlands.

The event aimed to acquaint forest field staff, wilderness explorers, herbal innovators and botany experts with the rich biodiversity of the neighbourhood forests while promoting awareness about conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.

The programme commenced with a ceremonial tree plantation. Among those present were Pradeep Wahule, Conservator East Circle Anurag Arya, Divisional Forest Officer Jammu Bishan Das Thakur, Divisional Forest Officer Research Division Kalpna Vinay, founder of Tree Talk Om Prakash Sharma "Vidyarthi" and herbal innovator Pooja Kapoor Suri.

During the nature walk, Om Prakash Sharma "Vidyarthi" introduced participants to the diverse flora of the Sidhra forests and highlighted the edible, medicinal and ornamental significance of several important species.

Under the guidance of herbal innovator Pooja Kapoor Suri, Om Prakash Sharma "Vidyarthi" and Dev Raj Sharma, forest field staff displayed plant specimens, edible flowers, seasonal leafy vegetables, aromatic and medicinal plants, quality saplings and a range of forest-based foods.

The exhibition featured Oleaster Sauce, Tinbru Chutney, Gokhru Snacks, Punarnava Pakodas, Commelina Snacks, Trianthema Pakodas, Rhododendron Tea, Arjun Bark Tea, Mango Modak, Vidari Kheer, Parijat Tea, Gwalmanda Dahi and other value-added forest products.

Addressing the gathering, Pradeep Wahule said forests are vital ecosystems supporting an extraordinary diversity of plants and wildlife and cautioned that overexploitation of natural resources leads to soil degradation, depletion of water resources and the decline of threatened species.

Participants planted indigenous and ecologically important tree species, including Butea monosperma, Bauhinia variegata, Terminalia chebula, Azadirachta indica, Moringa oleifera, Erythrina indica, Syzygium cumini and Sapindus mukorossi.

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

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following 👇